N155 Bus Route (3)

Caroline Pidgeon: What will you do to promote women’s safety in Clapham on Friday and Saturday evenings once the N155 bus service is reduced to a 20-minute frequency?

The Mayor: On 3 September, TfL reduced the weekend night frequency of route N155 from four buses per hour to three, bringing it in line with weeknight frequencies on the route.
Demand has halved on the route at weekends since the reintroduction from 2 July of Night Tube services on the Northern line, which closely parallels route N155 between Charing Cross and Morden. The Night Tube offers a safe, low crime environment.
A range of safety and security measures are in place, including dedicated policing for the bus network, hundreds of enforcement officers deployed to priority locations and an extensive CCTV network. More than 2,500 police and police community support officers and 500 TfL enforcement officers patrol London’s transport network, while thousands of frontline transport staff support customers, and an extensive CCTV network is in place across the Tube and on the bus network.
TfL continues to prioritise action to tackle violence against women and girls, and its Bus Action Plan outlines its commitment to ensuring our bus network a place where women and girls can feel and be safe. Last autumn, TfL launched a campaign to tackle sexual harassment on the transport network, in partnership with theRail Delivery Group,British Transport Police, Metropolitan Police Service and women's safety groups. TfL is also providing sexual harassment training for bus staff on how to support customers and ensure that they feel comfortable and safe to report incidents that take place on the bus network.
TfL is also developing new Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion training for bus drivers in partnership with a specialist training provider, which will help drivers provide even better customer assistance.

Acoustic Cameras (3)

Elly Baker: What assessment has the Metropolitan Police Service made of the potential enforcement value of acoustic cameras following the Department for Transport’s trial of the technology?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have not yet had sight of the results from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) trial so are unable to determine if it is an effective intervention in dealing with antisocial driving in urban environments.
TfL and the MPS Roads and Transport Policing Command are regularly informed about the use of acoustic cameras in Kensington and Chelsea. The initial view is that this technology is promising and could be an effective enforcement tool for local authorities to use for dealing with noise complaints. It could complement enforcement undertaken by the police, in partnership with TfL, to deal with speed and anti-social driving.

Acoustic Cameras (2)

Elly Baker: In your answer to MQ 2022/3263 TfL indicated that the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea was conducting a trial of acoustic cameras and that TfL officers have engaged with the borough to understand more about the trial. What was learnt from this trial?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has been working closely with Kensington and Chelsea to understand this trial and is supporting the expansion to locations on the Transport for London Road Network. As part of this arrangement, Kensington and Chelsea will install its cameras on TfL infrastructure. Please also see me answer to 2022/3194.

Acoustic Cameras (1)

Elly Baker: In your answer to MQ 2020/2480 TfL indicated that it was not interested in pursuing trials of acoustic cameras on TfL roads, citing a reduction in motor traffic as the solution for this. Given that the majority of complaints are about excessively noisy supercars or modified cars in residential areas, there is little likelihood that this will solve the issue for local residents. Can TfL explain the reason for not engaging with this new technology and trialling in such hotspots as Grosvenor Road in Pimlico and the A10 in Enfield, Bush Hill Park?

The Mayor: My response to 2020/3263 confirmed that Transport for London (TfL) had no plans to take part in the Government trials but were engaging with Kensington and Chelsea, which was the first local authority to trial acoustic cameras in Britain under a Public Space Protection Order. TfL is working with Kensington and Chelsea to enable them to install cameras on TfL infrastructure on the Transport for London Road Network.
TfL is keen to support other local authorities who are considering trialling acoustic cameras to deal with noise, when it is a problem on the TLRN. However, TfL’s priority for funding is the maintenance and expansion of the extensive safety camera network across London’s roads that reduce the risk of speeding and make a significant contribution to Vision Zero.

PHV Regulations (2)

Elly Baker: Following MQ 2022/1721, can you confirm which operators were in the second, third, fourth, etc tranches and which of those operators are in full compliance with the High Court decision and all TfL notices and guidance?

The Mayor: Please see my response to MQ 2022/3190.

PHV Regulations (1)

Elly Baker: Following MQ 2022/1721, can you confirm which operators were in the first tranche and which of those operators are in full compliance with the High Court decision and all TfL notices and guidance?

The Mayor: It is the responsibility of all Private Hire Vehicle(PHV) operators in London to ensure they are compliant with the Court’s judgment.
Transport for London haswritten to all 1,651 licensed PHV operators in London asking them to provide evidence to demonstrate compliance with the Divisional Court ruling. TfL is working through the evidence received.
It would not be appropriate for TfL to provide a commentary on regulatory activity or the specific status of each PHV operator. I can however assure you that the Divisional Court judgment is being actively addressed and appropriate action will be taken to ensure compliance, where necessary.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (17)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 17 “TfL, working with the boroughs where appropriate, will review traffic management arrangements put in place for the 2012 Games, helping to further develop best practice. This review will include the use of parking controls to protect residential parking” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) continues to work closely with partner boroughs and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). Parking restrictions across the area have built on the traffic management arrangements put in place for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The majority of the area is now covered by Controlled Parking Zones with restricted parking in force when events are being held at the Olympic Park to restrict parking for visitors in the evenings and at weekends to ensure zones remain effective for residents.
TfL and the LLDC continue to develop proposals to encourage safe and sustainable travel for residents and visitors in and around the Olympic Park. A recent example can be found on the LLDC website via the following link:
https://westfieldavenue.commonplace.is/proposals

Audit of bus cooling systems

Siân Berry: I understand from a bus driver that Transport for London (TfL) conducted a spot check on the status of air conditioning on buses after a complaint from a bus driver on LBC Radio. What were the results of this audit, and how many buses were reported for rectification?

The Mayor: Following the complaint from the bus driver, Transport for London (TfL) conducted a review of the air conditioning units of approximately 10 per cent of the bus fleet – over 850 buses. These inspections checked for air output and the condition of the pump/drive belts. 85 per cent of vehicles passed the checks and, where faults were identified, they were reported to the relevant operators for rectification. All bus operators are responsible for ensuring bus maintenance are conducted regularly according to the manufacturers’ recommendation.

TFL and Mastercard (2)

Len Duvall: With TfL needing to increase funding options, why has taking payments via Mastercard not been dealt with as a priority?

The Mayor: Transport for London is not aware of any specific issues with the acceptance of Mastercard, but will contact your office to find out specific details to enable them to look into the matter.

Access to Green Space for Londoners (2)

Hina Bokhari: To what extent is focus given to improving access to green spaces through the Grow Back Greener Fund for those who currently have the least access to green spaces as a result of living in densely populated parts of London?

The Mayor: Both rounds of my Grow Back Greener Fund prioritised projects that improve access to green space for Londoners in locations with the poorest access and highest vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. These are often the most densely populated parts of London. Projects were prioritised using the GLA’s Green Infrastructure Focus Map, which shows the areas where the most households live in an Area of Deficiency in access to public open space.
80% of projects funded in 2020 and 70% of projects 2021 have taken place in areas deficient in access to green space. Of projects in 2021, 90% were also in areas of high climate risk.
The third round of my Grow Back Greener Fund will launch this month. This round will also target areas of high climate risk and where Londoners currently have the least access to green space.

ULEZ Charges (6)

Keith Prince: What was the total amount of the penalties issued for the non-payment of the ULEZ charge from the 26th of January 2022 to the 25th of April 2022?

The Mayor: As at 10 May 2022, Transport for London has issued 516,302 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for non-payment of the ULEZ charge between 26 January and 25 April 2022.

ULEZ Charges (5)

Keith Prince: What was the total income from the ULEZ charges from the 26th of January 2022 to the 25th of April 2022?

The Mayor: Transport for London advises that 3,280,938 valid daily charges were purchased for travel within the expanded ULEZ zone between 26 January and 25 April 2022. The total value of payments received for these charges was £41,111,387.50.

ULEZ Charges (4)

Keith Prince: What was the total amount of the penalties issued for the non-payment of the ULEZ charge from the 25th of October 2021 to the 25th of January 2022?

The Mayor: As at 10 May 2022, Transport for London has issued 435,335 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for non-payment of the ULEZ charge between 25 October 2021 and 25 January 2022.

ULEZ Charges (2)

Keith Prince: What was the total income from the ULEZ charges from the 25th of October 2021 to the 25th of January 2022?

The Mayor: Transport for London advises that 3,702,048 valid daily charges were purchased for travel within the expanded ULEZ zone between 25 October 2021 and 25 January 2022. The total value of payments received for these charges was £46,403,962.50.

Solar PV installed capacity data in London (2)

Siân Berry: Thank you for your answer to my question 2022/1817, in which you stated that there are 151 megawatts (MW) of solar PV installed in London, and that you have achieved a 34 per cent increase in solar capacity since 2016. Could you provide me with: a) the source of the 151 MW figure and for which year it applies, and b) a breakdown per year and per programme since 2016 of the installations that make up the 34 per cent increase?

The Mayor: The 151MW figure applies to the end of 2020 and the source is the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Regional Renewable Statics – Renewable Energy by Local Authority 2014-2020. The total capacity at the end of 2016 was 113 MW, therefore there was a 34 per cent increase for London between 2016 and 2020.
Since 2016 my programmes have directly contributed 12MW of Solar PV capacity:
The remainder comes from non-Mayoral schemes and an incremental 36.4MW of solar PV has been committed due to my London Plan requirements since 2016.

Thames Path in East London (4)

Unmesh Desai: Would an improved Thames Path in East London assist in regeneration and contribute to the tourist economy in the area?

The Mayor: Investment in leisure walking routes like the Thames Path reaps great returns for local economies. 95 per cent of Business Improvement Districts say that walking is important because it creates vibrant areas, attracts more customers, and helps to attract and retain staff. Leisure walking brings greater footfall to town and village centres, and walkers enjoy refreshments in cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants and shops on route – favouring those small and medium-sized enterprises that make up over 99 per cent of London employers. People want to live and work in areas that offer a high quality of life – providing great places for walking strengthens London’s talent pool and gives businesses a competitive advantage.
These are just some of the reasons why I have committed to developing a new plan, to be published later this year, that will enable more Londoners to walk for leisure.

Thames Path in East London (3)

Unmesh Desai: Would a river walkway linking the gaps in the Thames Path contribute to the health and wellbeing of the people of East London?

The Mayor: Staying physically active is essential for good health and physical and mental wellbeing. The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic led to an overall reduction of physical activity in Londoners, but also an increase in walking for leisure. Seizing on this opportunity by making it easier and more appealing to walk for leisure will improve the health of Londoners and reduce health inequalities.
Walking routes are more attractive when they’re direct and connected. These are two of the pedestrian design principles that will be promoted in Transport for London’s new leisure walking plan, due to be published later this year.

TFL ANPR cameras

Tony Devenish: How is the privacy of members of the public protected when the Met access TfL ANPR cameras?

The Mayor: The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has received a feed of numberplate data since 2015 for policing purposes from the ANPR cameras Transport for London (TfL) operates for Congestion Charging, the Low Emission Zone and the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Consideration is being given to expanding this to include a feed of data from additional ANPR cameras which were installed for the expansion of ULEZ, which took place in October 2021. At present, vehicle images do not form part of this data feed.
Privacy is protected by ensuring that the provision of access, and the MPS’s subsequent use of the data, is in accordance with data protection legislation. The MPS is also required to comply with national compliance standards (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-anpr-standards) when using ANPR for policing purposes, which include obligations relating to privacy and data protection. The privacy implications of the expansion of access to include images and data from additional TfL cameras have been considered in a Data Protection Impact Assessment prepared by the MPS, which is published at https://www.london.gov.uk/decisions/md2977-delegation-tfl-grant-anprc-data-access-mps (see Appendix B).

Green Energy to Power Transport for London (1)

Elly Baker: How much carbon could be saved if Transport for London is able to successfully develop plans to purchase all of its power from renewable generators?

The Mayor: The carbon emissions associated with the electricity that Transport for London (TfL) procured directly within the financial year 2021/22 totals 327,468 tonnes CO2e. In June this year, TfL launched its first procurement for approximately 10 per cent of the electricity it purchases from renewable sources and new-build assets. Were that contract to be in place today and providing electricity, that would equate to an approximate 33,000 tonnes CO2e saving this year.
TfL intends to procure a series of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) tranches over time, which would be expected to support the goal of running a zero-carbon railway by 2030 to contribute towards meeting my Net Zero ambition. The timing of future tranches, and therefore the delivery of electricity and resulting carbon savings, will be dependent on a variety of factors (see my answer to MQ 2022/3182) and this will dictate the total volume of carbon that will be avoided.

Green Energy to Power Transport for London (2)

Elly Baker: If Transport for London is successful with its proposed trial to meet 10% of its energy demand through power purchase agreements, over what time period would this be scaled up to 100%?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has agreed a strategy to procure 100 per cent of the electricity it purchases from renewable sources by 2030. It intends to procure the majority of this via a series of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) tranches that will deliver power by 2030 and contribute towards meeting my Net Zero London ambition. This staged procurement approach has a number of advantages over a single large transaction, which include spreading of the risk (between contracts), the benefit gained from being able to learn lessons from prior transactions, and the possibility to take advantage of future reductions in technology costs.

Energy Costs of Transport for London

Elly Baker: How much energy was supplied to London Underground through the Bulk Supply Points in each of the following years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 to date?

The Mayor: Transport for London is the largest consumer of electricity in London, and London Underground’s consumption comprises the majority of this. Please see the below breakdown of electricity supplied through the Bulk Supply Points.
LU Bulk Supply Points
kWh
April 2017 - March 2018
1,201,897,567
April 2018 - March 2019
1,208,407,395
April 2019 - March 2020
1,188,899,013
April 2020 - March 2021
1,054,569,586
April 2021 - March 2022
1,089,406,531
April 2022 - July 2022
369,111,874

Central London Bus Review Outcome

Elly Baker: When do you expect the outcome of the Central London Bus Review to be published?

The Mayor: The Central London Bus Review (CLBR) consultation closed on 7 August 2022, and the responses to this consultation are currently being analysed. This analysis will include an appraisal of possible revisions to the service proposition against financial, economic, equality, commercial and other impacts which will be formalised in a consultation report. This process will take some time and is being coordinated with Transport for London’s (TfL’s) overall business planning due later in the year.
When the report is available, TfL will publish it on its ‘Have Your Say’ website (https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/) and will notify everyone who participated in the consultation that the report is available to view.

IOPC Re-opening Investigation into Initial Police Response to the Stephen Port Murders

Caroline Pidgeon: Given calls from many in the LGBTQ+ community, once the IOPC has completed its re-investigation of the Met’s initial response to the murders of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor by Stephen Port, will you finally commit to giving your full backing to a public inquiry into the murders and their handling?

The Mayor: I am pleased that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has decided to reopen their investigation into the conduct of Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers who investigated the tragic deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor.
It is important that the IOPC conduct a thorough and speedy investigation given the passage of time since the tragic murders of these four young men.
My Deputy Mayor has written to the IOPC to seek assurance that the new investigation will fully consider the possibility of assumptions, stereotyping, unconscious bias, and homophobia by individual officers, regarding the lifestyle of young gay men and the impact this had on the way the MPS investigation was conducted.
In order to ensure that lessons have been learnt and changes have been made to the way deaths are investigated, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS) are currently conducting an inspection within the MPS, which will report towards the end of the year.
Furthermore, Baroness Casey is currently conducting an independent review into MPS culture.

Retrospective facial recognition technology

Caroline Russell: At the Police and Crime Committee meeting on 17 November 2021, the then Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said that he expected the retrospective facial recognition technology system agreed in an August 2021 decision by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (PCD 1008) would be live and in use by the middle of 2022. Could you confirm whether this retrospective facial recognition technology system is currently live and in use and provide details of any consultation that took place with groups such as the independent advisory groups (IAGs) for race, disability and LGBTQ+, as well as other stakeholders?

The Mayor: The retrospective facial recognition (RFR) system is still being integrated in to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) digital infrastructure and is not currently being used. At present it is forecast that the integration work will be complete March/April 2023.
The MPS has undertaken engagement in relation to facial recognition technology and continues to do so. This has included valuable discussions with the London Policing Ethics Panel (LPEP) and IAG groups to help inform the integration of RFR. This engagement work continues, and the output of this will be reflected in a published Equalities Impact Assessment for RFR.

Lack of Toilet Dignity for London Bus Drivers: BBC Report

Keith Prince: A 14 June BBC report quoted TfL’s Head of Bus Business Development as stating that bus drivers’ welfare was a “top priority”. How can you reconcile that statement with the fact that over 1 in 4 London bus routes don’t have toilets at both ends of the route for bus drivers?

The Mayor: Bus driver welfare is a top priority for Transport for London (TfL), as set out in the Bus Action Plan.
TfL has agreed with the bus drivers’ union, Unite, and bus operators to use a criterion of no more than 150 minutes round trip time to determine where a toilet at either end is sufficient. This enables TfL to prioritise its limited funds on providing facilities at locations that have the greatest benefit to drivers.

Transport funding London Boroughs

Caroline Pidgeon: London Boroughs are reliant on TfL for funding for their roads and transport infrastructure. The GLA Act (1999) does not devolve boroughs’ funding and there is currently a huge backlog of investment that is needed across the capital on borough roads. Given that transport funding in London is not a fully devolved matter, what are you doing to secure the funding needed for London’s borough roads?

The Mayor: Since the onset of the pandemic, Transport for London (TfL) has worked in tandem with partners in the boroughs to ensure that capacity to deliver is protected within the short-term funding settlements. TfL has also supported boroughs with funding from the Streetspace and Active Travel Fund programmes, and assisted with applications for alternative funding such as the Levelling Up Fund.
I recognise that delivering the outcomes in my Transport Strategy will require enhancements to be developed and delivered on borough roads. London’s boroughs are in the same position as TfL in that they are reliant on a long-term capital funding settlement from central government in order to commit to future investment. Further allocations to boroughs will depend on the quantum and duration of the next funding settlement, and any conditions set out in the associated funding letter. It is worth noting that TfL does not fund borough road maintenance other than for some bridges and some principal roads when funding is available.

Unfair Out-of-Station Arrangement for Uxbridge Residents

Onkar Sahota: My constituent travels from Uxbridge/West Drayton to Chiswick and Ealing using tube, TfL rail and bicycle. Despite the proximity of the different Ealing stations, they are not considered ‘out of station’ changes. Bringing more stations under ‘out of station’ changes would promote active travel and avoid clustering of crowds within a station. Can TfL consider this suggestion?

The Mayor: TfL believes there is no evidence of any overcrowding caused by a lack of available interchanges. To note, out-of-station interchanges are not configured to deal with crowd control issues. Such issues are generally improved by changing train frequencies, train length, station layout and so on.
Given TfL has not received wider requests for the configuration of additional further out-of-station interchanges in west London, it is assumed that the opportunities to change between stations and modes are adequate.

Deaths of London Transport Personnel from Covid-19

Keith Prince: Please update the data you provided in your response to Question 2022/1632 to show the latest known number of London Transport personnel who have died from Covid-19.

The Mayor: There has been no change since the previous response to Mayor’s Question 2022/1632 was provided. The number of transport colleagues who have sadly passed away with Covid-19 still stands at 105.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (20)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 20 “TfL will assess the impact of working with businesses during the 2012 Games, and whether similar measures can be used after the Games, including the use of Legible London to manage demand on public transport” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) worked closely with businesses across London in the lead up to and during the 2012 Games to ensure that disruption was minimised and that businesses were able to benefit from the opportunities afforded by hosting the Games. The relationships forged during this period have remained strong and valuable since 2012. Close collaboration with businesses enabled TfL to safely manage travel on the network during periods of Covid-19 restrictions and continues to be a vital aspect of recovery efforts in London. Travel Demand Management expertise developed during the Games also helps TfL to minimise the temporary disruption resulting from major improvement projects, such as the Bank station upgrade. TfL continues to work with local authorities, business associations and other organisations to help expand Legible London across the Capital.

Notting Hill Carnival (5)

Susan Hall: How many Met police officers were injured at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival? Of these, how many were taken off duty and what was the opportunity cost of being taken off duty?

The Mayor: Across the 12,500 shifts that were worked as part of Notting Hill Carnival, 74 Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers were injured. Note this number is accurate as of 30 August but may change when all data has been finalised.
The MPS has yet to confirm how many were taken off duty and any consequential cost implication.

ULEZ (1)

Leonie Cooper: How has compliance improved since October 2021 when the ULEZ expanded to the north and south circular roads?

The Mayor: Please see my response to MQ2022/1414.

Tube Noise at Canning Town Station

Unmesh Desai: There are reports of severe tube noise around Canning Town Station on the Jubilee line towards the tunnel. The rails have recently been ground, but this is not a long-term solution. What is the long-term solution, and what action does TfL propose to take?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is aware of noise complaints in this area and has carried out significant work in order to ensure the track is in as good a condition as is possible.
Rail corrugation (or roughness), which is often the root cause of residential noise, is addressed by rail grinding. Grinding works by smoothing rails and removing rail corrugation. TfL carried out rail grinding in this area in June 2022.
TfL continuously monitors rail corrugation in this area, and when levels are increasing, it schedules rail grinding, within the constraints of its overall programme for the Tube network.
TfL’s historic rail roughness measurements show that the track remains in a similar condition to how it was in 2015, with rail roughness levels for this section lower now than they were between 2015 and 2017.
TfL has also assessed the track conditions in this section, and confirmed there are no obvious faults, such as redundant rail joints, where work could be carried out at the same time to reduce to noise and vibration levels.
While no additional solutions are currently available to further reduce noise levels in this area, TfL will continue to monitor this site to ensure the track remains in as good a condition as is possible.

Clipping pedestrians on the pavement (3)

Keith Prince: What are TfL's plans to deal with powered-two wheelers clipping pedestrians on the pavement?

The Mayor: I take the safety of pedestrians and any potential fear of safety while travelling around London very seriously. I am committed to delivering Vision Zero for London, eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on the transport network by 2041.
Riding or driving a motorised vehicle on the pavement is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. An exception to this is where a rider is allowed to ride for a maximum of 15 yards on a pavement to get to a place of parking. Any breach of the law will be enforced by the Police.
Evidence of an offence can be submitted to the MPS through its online reporting tool. The police have 14 days from the date of the incident to investigate and issue a Notice of Intended Prosecution if an offence has been committed.
Transport for London (TfL) reviews reports of recurring issues at specific locations on the TLRN and examines what design or policing and enforcement measures could be put in place to address them.
TfL, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) also offers a comprehensive educational programme for riders, offering training courses to meet specific requirements whether riders ride for work or leisure activities. The MPS has a dedicated Motorcycle Safety Team which carries out engagement, education and enforcement for riders and drivers.

Cable Car Sponsorship (1)

Nick Rogers: How much money will IFS contribute to TfL via their sponsorship of the London Cable Car?

The Mayor: IFS will pay transport for London (TfL) £420,000 per annum for a minimum of two years.
Full details can be found in the contract which is available on the Transport for London website, link below.
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/contracts

Cable Car Sponsorship (2)

Nick Rogers: When will the full terms and conditions of IFS’s sponsorship deal for the London Cable Car be published?

The Mayor: The contract was published on the Transport for London website on 1 September 2022
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/contracts

Freedom Pass Before 9am

Nick Rogers: In the light of the recent agreement between the DfT and TfL on a long-term funding settlement, will you commit to fully restoring the Freedom Pass before 9am?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Question 2022/2806

Begging on the Underground

Nick Rogers: Please outline your plans for dealing with begging on the Underground. Please also share any relevant statistics you have collected on this issue since 2016.

The Mayor: Alongside Transport for London (TfL) and the British Transport Police, I am committed to supporting vulnerable people on our network, devising a number of initiatives to help them find accommodation, access support services and reconnect with family and friends.
TfL uses staff and customer reports to identify locations with recurring issues and adopts a problem-solving approach. This includes working with the police, local authorities and support services to identify the best course of action and tailoring police and enforcement response to individuals.
Since January 2020, TfL staff have reported 2,087 instances that have been flagged as begging or unlicensed busking.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (27)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 27 “TfL will work with relevant boroughs to develop and share best practice for implementing transport improvements. This will include funding opportunities such as Section 106 as a potential for funding transport projects and initiatives. TfL and the six host boroughs will report on progress to the actions to the East Sub Regional Panel” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) was founded in April 2012 after the publication of the Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. The LLDC is directly accountable to Londoners through the Mayor of London and acts as the planning authority for the area around and including Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The LLDC publish a detailed Planning Authority Monitoring Report annually to report progress towards key Local Plan milestones, information on permitted and completed developments and details of Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 funding. The most recent report found here, demonstrates the joint working between Transport for London and the boroughs and lists transport schemes funded via planning obligations.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (25)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 25 “TfL, the boroughs and other public authorities, building on the partnerships established for 2012 Games, will continue to work together to achieve better value for money for the public” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) works closely with London's 32 boroughs and the City of London and community groups to integrate transport planning and operations across the Capital. Working to achieve better value for money is being attained in particular ways.
TfL supports boroughs through Local Implementation Planning (LIP) funding, this enables TfL to support boroughs in delivering active travel schemes, initiatives like Car Free Day, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, and schemes that support Vision Zero, such as walking and cycling. 
TfL also works with partners on the Ultra Low Emission Zone scrappage schemes, walking and cycling grants and cycle training.TfL invests in borough cycling and borough bus priority projects in addition.

11 March 2022 High Court judgment

Caroline Russell: On 11 March 2022, a judgment was issued by the High Court in Leigh v Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) issued two statements about the ruling, indicating that it intended to appeal. On 23 March 2022, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime told the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee: “We are disappointed that the Met got it wrong and concerned that they are appealing, and we will be discussing that with the Commissioner.” What were the outcomes of this discussion?

The Mayor: The horrendous murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met officer devastated the trust and confidence of Londoners in the police. The policing decisions made around the vigil in her memory only further damaged the public’s trust.
I made it clear to the former Commissioner that the scenes of the way the vigil was policed were completely unacceptable. I welcomed the judgment by the Court of Appeal in June which found there was “no arguable basis” for the Met to further appeal the case.
My Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime raised this issue with the acting-Commissioner, to which the Met expressed their remaining concerns about the ruling limits the policing of public order because of the need to describe in advance what the policing response would be in certain situations. These considerations and decisions are operational.

Go Sutton Bus Trial

Caroline Pidgeon: TfL’s ‘Demand responsive bus trials’ report from July 2021 states that the Go Sutton trial was suspended in March 2020 “as a result of the coronavirus pandemic”. Given the popularity of the service, does TfL have any plans to reintroduce the scheme in future?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) trialled demand responsive buses in the boroughs of Sutton and Ealing, in partnership with bus operators and technology providers. Customers from all walks of life gave positive feedback about the app-based booking system and TfL is exploring how this technology could be used to enhance other TfL services such as Dial-a-Ride. TfL learned that demand responsive buses are not a more cost-effective way of supporting the necessary reduction in car use and congestion in outer London than existing bus subsidies. Therefore, TfL is not investing in any more Demand Responsive Bus trials and research at this time. Please also see my answer to question 2022/2281.
A report on the trials is available on TfL’s website: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/buses/demand-responsive-bus-service

Reducing tube noise

Caroline Pidgeon: Further to your answer to question 2021/4263, please provide an update on the evaluation that has been undertaken of the reduction of residential noise levels following the trial replacement of Pandrol Vanguard (PV) track fastenings with alternative Delkor track fastenings between Baker Street and St John’s Wood on the Jubilee line.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) believes that the Delkor track fastening offers a similar benefit in terms of limiting residential noise levels, while significantly reducing in-carriage noise, in comparison to Pandrol Vanguard (PV). This is based on the results from a trial on the Jubilee line, where TfL has replaced PV with Delkor on a section of track between St John’s Wood and Baker Street.
TfL anticipate similar results across the Tube network, and the next site for installing Delkor is Camden Town to Euston on the Northern line. These works have now started. I understand that TfL officers will be writing to Assembly Members shortly, to offer the opportunity to visit these works if this would be of interest.

Out of Service Lifts (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: Please list dates and times for which each lift on the London Underground was out of service by month for (a) 2021 and (b) 2022.

The Mayor: The attached table shows the total amount of time each lift has been out of service by month over 2021 and 2022 This includes all causes such as mechanical faults with the lift itself, power failures, flooding, and customer vandalism. It does not include lifts out of service for planned / refurbishment works.
If a lift is out of service for several days and it spans across two different months, the number of hours out of service will be recorded against the month when the lift came back into service. For example, if the lift went out of service on the 29 June and came back into service on the 2 July, the total outage would be recorded in the July figures. This is due to how the reporting system works.
From the attached table, the longest closures occurred at Russell Square, Belsize Park and Regents Park. Further details of these are as follows:

The Mayor: 2289 Out of service lifts (2) attachment.pdf

Four Lines Modernisation Programme (1)

Tony Devenish: What is the current delivery date for the Four Lines Modernisation Programme?

The Mayor: Following the delivery on 27 March 2022 of the section of signalling between Sloane Square, Paddington, Fulham Broadway and Barons Court, called Signalling Migration Area 5 (SMA5), a further review of the programme is underway, the outcome of which is expected to be available later this month. I have asked Transport for London to keep you updated.

Livestreaming body worn video

Caroline Russell: In July 2022, West Midlands Police became the first UK police force to livestream video from its body worn video (BWV) cameras. Does the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have any plans to trial or implement livestreaming from body worn video?

The Mayor: The use of body worn video has been an important step forward for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in terms of transparency and the ability to collect of evidence.
The MPS does not currently live stream body worn video, but as you would expect, they are in touch with West Midlands Police to understand any benefits that they have seen from the work that they have undertaken in this area.
If appropriate benefits are identified, the MPS may consider using this technology with appropriate checks and balances in place.

Lack of Toilet Dignity for London Bus Drivers: BBC Report (2)

Keith Prince: A 14 June BBC report quoted TfL’s Head of Bus Business Development as saying "It is a basic human right to have access to a toilet”. Please provide me with the criteria used by TfL Surface Operations to seemingly deprive Bus Drivers of a ‘basic human right’ on over 25% of London Bus Routes.

The Mayor: Bus drivers on all of London’s bus routes have access to a toilet.
Transport for London (TfL) has agreed with the bus drivers’ union, Unite, and bus operators to use a criterion of no more than 150 minutes round trip time to determine where a toilet at either end is sufficient. Please see my response to question number 2022/2682.

First Ever’ Research on Remote Sign-On

Keith Prince: In your response to Question 2021/1959, you stated "The research will be commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) from summer [2021], and the findings will be shared with the main stakeholders by winter.” Please provide me with a full copy of the research and of the findings shared with main stakeholders in winter.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is in the process of reviewing the contents of the research and will need to have further discussions with the affected parties before the findings can be finalised and shared. I have asked TfL to ensure you are provided with a copy when they are ready to be shared with stakeholders.

Lack of Toilet Dignity for Bus Drivers: Health Study

Keith Prince: Will you request TfL to commission an independent study to determine the long-term health effects of forcing bus drivers to work on routes without access to toilets with special attention on determining whether or not there’s an increased frequency of urinary tract infections, incontinence, kidney stones, constipation, haemorrhoids, appendicitis and colon cancer among bus drivers on routes lacking toilets?

The Mayor: Drivers on all bus routes in London have access to toilet facilities.
The Rail Safety and Standards Board recently published a report on toilet facilities in the rail industry, which may have some parallels to the bus industry. Transport for London is reviewing this report and its findings.

Crossrail 2 Route Safeguarding

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide an update on what specific measures have been and are now being taken to safeguard the potential route for Crossrail 2. What is the timescale for completing the safeguarding?

The Mayor: A commitment for Transport for London (TfL) to work with the Department for Transport (DfT) to update the safeguarding for Crossrail 2 is included within the current funding agreement between TfL and the Government, and TfL has continued to work closely with DfT on this matter for some time.
Earlier this month I personally wrote to the Prime Minister on several matters, including emphasising that to make progress on Crossrail 2 we need to update the safeguarding of the route to reflect the latest preferred alignment. It is frustrating that a Memorandum of Understanding on a revised safeguarding for Crossrail 2 was supplied to the DfT over two years ago now, but they have yet to agree to it.

Lack of Toilet Dignity for Bus Drivers: Safety/Duty of Care

Keith Prince: Who at TfL is accountable for ensuring toilets are provided to bus drivers?

The Mayor: Andy Lord, as Transport for London’s (TfL) Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for both the operation of the bus network and the management of the assets that support operations. The assets include toilet facilities provided to bus drivers.
TfL has made significant progress since 2018 with 64 new toilets provided for bus drivers. Further work continues, within the available funding, to focus on making sure driver welfare facilities are in good condition, are fit for purpose and have the capacity required to meet demand of all users.

Mayoral Call Ins and Affordable Housing (2)

Sakina Sheikh: Can you provide a year-on-year breakdown on the number of Mayoral call-ins on schemes since 2008?

The Mayor: Details of all call-ins since 2008 are available here on the London.gov website. In addition, you can also find details of call-ins undertaken by the previous administration here.

Parklet funding

Siân Berry: Please provide details of all funding for parklets provided since 2016, including: a) the scheme under which they were funded, b) the number of parklets funded, and c) boroughs involved.

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL’s) records indicate that since 2016, it has awarded Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding for parklets in the City of London, LB Hackney, LB Lewisham and LB Southwark. TfL has also funded many more as part of larger holistic schemes that deliver multiple benefits – for example, within the Mini-Holland, Streetspace and LIP Major Scheme programmes. Please note that TfL does not currently collect detailed output data on the number of individual pocket parks delivered across the whole of London.
Recognising the importance of green spaces to Londoners, I have awarded £2.8m of funding to boroughs (and a further £1m to TfL) for Green Infrastructure projects which create new high-quality public green spaces, especially in locations where current access is poor and where this would help reduce health inequalities. This will include projects that enhance climate resilience - reducing flood and heat risk - and conserve public water supplies.

High Speed Two Limited lane rental for Euston Road

Siân Berry: Will High Speed Two (HS2) Limited be paying Transport for London (TfL) any lane rental for their use of Euston Road for several years?

The Mayor: Schedule 24 Paragraph 2 (9) of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 disapplies regulations made under S74A of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. The London Permit Scheme for Road Works and Street Works was made under S74A, meaning HS2 Ltd is not required to pay lane rental charges.

Consequences of withdrawal from the travelcard agreement (2)

Siân Berry: Thank you for your answer to my question 2022/0069. Would there be any consequences from withdrawing from the travelcard agreement on the division of fare revenue and associated fares agreements?

The Mayor: The Amended and Restated Travelcard Agreement governs the allocation of revenue between Transport for London (TfL) and National Rail from sales of In-boundary and Out-boundary Travelcards. Withdrawing from the Travelcard Agreement effectively means that the allocation of Travelcard Revenue will cease as Travelcards would no longer be valid on TfL services.
Customers would instead need to travel using pay as you go with Oyster or contactless. Revenue allocation for pay as you go is embedded in the existing Amended and Restated PAYG and CPAY Agreements. These Agreements are not expected to change should TfL withdraw from the Travelcard Agreement.

Future fares for the London Cable Car

Siân Berry: Are you considering integrating fares for the London Cable Car with travelcards, oyster and contactless payments, or otherwise reducing fares for this service?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is not looking at integrating the London Cable Car fares with other Travelcard, Oyster or contactless payments. The London Cable Car, when compared to other visitor attractions across London, offers great value in its current fares structure.

A24 Floating Bus Stops

Leonie Cooper: The temporary floating bus stops along the A24 have in some cases been scheduled for removal. When will this be complete, and for those not scheduled for removal, when will proper seating and bus shelters be installed?

The Mayor: One of the temporary floating bus stops in Colliers Wood was removed in April 2022 and Transport for London (TfL) is currently in the process of arranging a new shelter at this location. TfL will provide further updates when an installation date is confirmed. There are no plans currently to remove any more.
Several bus stops were temporarily relocated as part of improvements to Cycle Superhighway 7 brought forward in response to the coronavirus pandemic to support the increase in active travel. As these improvements were temporary, bus shelters were not moved.
TfL is working on the next steps for the A24 corridor and expects to set out plans in autumn 2022. Should TfL decide to retain the new location of the bus stops, it will also ensure that appropriate shelters and seating are provided. As some of the existing shelters have advertising panels, relocation is likely to be subject to planning permission, with longer timelines anticipated.

20mph Roads

Leonie Cooper: When will all TfL roads be made 20mph?

The Mayor: Reducing speed is fundamental to reducing road danger and to achieving my Vision Zero ambition for all deaths and serious injuries to be eliminated from London’s streets by 2041. The appropriate speed limit for a street depends on the use and function of the street and the risk experienced by those who use it. Lower speeds are essential for streets where people shop, work, learn and play.
Please refer to my response to Mayor’s Question 2021/1684 for information on Transport for London’s (TfL) future plans, which include the introduction of 20mph speed limits on 140km of TfL roads by the end of the 2024/25 financial year. This follows the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on all of the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) within the central London Congestion Charging zone, which was delivered in March 2020.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (23)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 23 “TfL, working with boroughs and utility companies, will assess the management of roadworks for the 2012 Games and consider the potential of continuing practices that help manage London’s road network” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) continues to work closely with partner boroughs and utility companies to deliver on its responsibilities under the Traffic Management Act and meet its Network Management Duty. A significant part of this relates to the management of roadworks – and TfL was among the first authorities to introduce roadworks permitting, and also successfully runs one of the country’s few lane rental schemes, both of which build on the legacy of the 2012 Games.
Lane Rental has also facilitated an investment of around £25m in over 70 innovative schemes intended to mitigate the impact of roadworks. Funding has included contributions to a diverse set of activity, from development of new roadworks technology to reduce impact and duration of works, through to support for the GLA’s innovative Infrastructure Coordination Service.

Vision Zero: Lack of Transparency in TfL’s Fatal Accident Investigations” Data

Keith Prince: In the "Fatal Accident Investigations” information published on TfL’s website, 25 of the 81 Fatal Incidents which took place between 5 January 2015 and 2 May 2022 listed on TfL’s Bus Safety Data web page display “Garage Not Available” under the column intended to inform the public about which garage the bus involved in the fatal incident was based. Can you explain why this critical safety information is missing for nearly one-third of these fatal incidents and, moreover, is missing from 17 of the 41 Fatal Bus Incidents (more than 40 percent) that have taken place since your Vision Zero Programme was announced in July 2018?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is committed to continuously improving the consistency of the safety data it collects and shares with the public. TfL has reviewed the bus fatalities data, listed under the Fatal incident investigations section published on its website, and has been unable to reconcile the figures quoted in this question.
For the period 5 January 2015 to 2 May 2022 this list contains 127 fatal incidents, 29 of which (23 per cent) do not specify a garage.
For the period 1 July 2018 to 2 May 2022 this list contains 62 fatal Incidents, 12 of which (19 per cent) do not specify a garage.
Record keeping has improved significantly in recent years. The last occasion when this information was not recorded was 31 October 2019. Nonetheless, TfL will ensure that the updated data is published to coincide with the next quarterly update. There will be one instance where this will not be possible: the incident dated 7 June 2018, as this incident did not occur on a TfL service.

Vision Zero: Lack of Transparency Improvements to Bus Safety Data Reporting

Keith Prince: Question 2017/0037 asked you to "consider adding additional columns of data showing the make, model and year of any bus involved in a collision incident where injuries have been recorded, and, where relevant, provide an additional column to identify when an Unintended Acceleration Incident has occurred” and you responded "I will ask TfL to look at whether these details would be useful in enhancing transparency as part of its wider Bus Safety Programme”. Please provide me with documentary evidence that you asked TfL to consider adding these details and justify why this simple request was never actioned.

The Mayor: Questions to the Mayor and their associated responses are closely monitored by Transport for London (TfL). My published response on the london.gov.uk website is, therefore, sufficient documentary evidence in itself.
TfL is always looking for ways in which it might improve the robustness of the safety data that it collects and shares with the public and agrees that adding the additional details mentioned would enhance transparency.
Unfortunately Implementing this change is not as straightforward as TfL initially thought. TfL is exploring how best to make this additional data available to the public and will update your office directly on progress.

Crossing the street to access public transport

Siân Berry: The Transport for London (TfL) Bus Action Plan notes the importance of walking and cycling connections for passengers to access the bus network. In answer to question 2019/20131, you indicated that one third of stations do not have a signal-controlled crossing within 100 metres of their station entrance. Will you undertake a proactive programme to make it easier to cross the road at tube and rail stations and busy bus stops and can you provide a list of the one third of stations that do not have a signal-controlled crossing within 100 metres of their station entrance?

The Mayor: Where opportunity and funding allow, Transport for London (TfL) continues to provide improvements for safe and accessible walking routes to and from bus stops and stations. TfL also works with the boroughs to promote improvements on the borough road network. This is in support of the Mayoral commitment to install pedestrian crossings where people want to cross.
Due to the way the information was recorded, the data set referred to in the 2019/20131 response used the distance from the centre line of the platform. Also, it did not take into account those locations where a zebra crossing exists, and a signalised crossing may not be required.
The data sources have since improved and there are currently 61 London Underground stations with at least one entrance over 100 metres from a crossing (zebra or signalised) and 28 other TfL stations with their main entrance over 100 metres from a crossing (zebra or signalised). A list of these stations has been provided.
TfL continues to discuss its long-term funding requirements with the Government and is unable to initiate a proactive programme of improvements at this time. In the meantime, TfL will continue to seek funding to support access improvements on a location-by-location basis.

The Mayor: 1880 - Crossing the street to access public transport APPENDIX.xlsx

West London Traffic

Tony Devenish: After your Covid-era changes, traffic in West London has significantly worsened, with the journey from Kensington to Pall Mall regularly taking over an hour. What efforts have you made to persuade the Royal Parks to fully reopen South Carriage Drive?

The Mayor: Transport for London is aware of a number of roadworks and special events in Westminster that have required key roads to be closed in the last few months. These closures, which have been unavoidable, have had some short-term impacts on general traffic, leading at times to longer queues and slower journeys in the area. These impacts were most prominent in March 2022, but in recent months journey times have been, for the most part, below the pre-COVID baseline and are continuing to improve.
As you note, The Royal Parks’ is the highway authority for South Carriage Drive and Transport for London (TfL) has worked closely with them to deliver a high-quality cycle network through Hyde Park, including on South Carriage Drive. These existing Cycleways allow many thousands of cyclists of all ages to get around our Capital each day safely and pleasantly.
TfL supports The Royal Parks’ strategy to reduce through traffic in Hyde Park, which includes the temporary closure of South Carriage Drive. The Royal Parks is still considering the longer-term future of South Carriage Drive, and TfL looks forward to working with it to further enhance Hyde Park as a national asset for both Londoners and visitors alike.

ULEZ Expansion Consultation (3)

Nick Rogers: Will you further guarantee that you will not expand the ULEZ into any borough that opposes expansion?

The Mayor: Outer London faces a significant air quality challenge. The highest number of air pollution related deaths in 2019 were in Bromley, Barnet, Croydon and Havering, evidence that poor air quality is not just an inner London problem. Over 500,000 Londoners suffer from asthma and are vulnerable to the effects of highly polluted air, with more than half of these people living in outer London.
All views will be taken into consideration and inform my decision on whether to proceed with the proposed ULEZ expansion

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (15)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 15 “TfL will work with entertainment venues to provide travel tickets at the same time as venue tickets, which will also include information on the most appropriate route to travel to the venue. The travel ticket will either be sold as an add-on to the venue ticket or as part of the venue ticket. After the 2012 Games TfL will have established a trial venue with a programme for wider use if proved to be successful” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: The way people pay for their journeys has changed since 2012. Transport for London (TfL) has successfully introduced contactless pay as you go, this removes the need to buy any tickets and this now accounts for 70 per cent of all journeys made on TfL services. TfL also has new travel tools to help customers plan their journey for example the TfL Go app and the data that they provide to 3rd Party App developers. Given these changes the need to work with event organisers has changed considerably since 2012 and TfL has no plans to offer combined travel and event tickets.

Income from Reprimands for Breaking Face Covering Rules on Transport for London

Krupesh Hirani: Can you confirm where income from collected fines goes?

The Mayor: Income received from face covering enforcement, whether that be from Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) or costs awarded for bringing a prosecution, is retained by Transport for London (TfL). The income received contributed towards the cost of face covering enforcement, including the frontline activity to detect and report non-compliance as well as the back office resources to process and issue FPNs and to pursue prosecution action.
The level of the FPN fines was set out in the Government’s Face Covering Regulations. In cases where TfL has pursued prosecution action against a customer and they are found guilty, the court can impose fines, costs and victim surcharge. All fines and victim surcharges go to fund Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) and Victim services.Any prosecution costs awarded by the court are then paid to TfL after fines and victim surcharges have been paid.
Fines/costs/victim surcharges can be paid in instalments which is based on the individual’s means or ability to pay, which is assessed by the Magistrate until the full debt due is discharged to the Court.It can therefore be months or even years before the full debt is discharged, but it remains the responsibility of HMCTS to pursue outstanding debt.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (18)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 18 “TfL will work with the boroughs, LOCOG and the GLA to learn from the experience of the 2012 Games, in particular the success of the Mayor’s London Ambassadors, borough Volunteers and Games Makers, and establish best practice in coordinating the provision of consistent travel information between volunteers, transport and venue staff” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: Throughout the planning phase for major events, Transport for London (TfL) is represented at meetings with the organisers and other stakeholders, such as the Metropolitan Police and GLA to ensure that customers travelling to and from the event have sufficient information to ensure that they can safely attend and leave the venue. This is embedded as standard practice and is evidenced at regular events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, the New Year’s Eve Marking of Midnight, and major sporting events at Wembley National Stadium as well as other ‘one off’ events such as Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
TfL also ensures that consistent messages are agreed and shared to customers through other transport providers, and it continues to deploy Travel Ambassadors to support customers when needed.

Strip Search Cases in the Met (3)

Caroline Pidgeon: If consistent themes of poor practice or misconduct are found in relation to the way in which strip searches have been conducted in the Met, will you commit to asking Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to look into these through a thematic inspection of strip searching in the Met?

The Mayor: My Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) has written to HMICFRS raising concerns about the use of strip searches. HMICFRS have confirmed that they are working closely with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the recent strip search cases that have come to light and will then reflect on any changes that may be needed to their inspection methodology. HMICFRS have provided assurance that the use of this intrusive power by the MPS, alongside other forces, is being closely monitored.

LFB Transformation Delivery Plan

Anne Clarke: Please provide an update on actions the London Fire Brigade is taking to recruit new staff from diverse communities, including LGBT and BAME communities.

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) outreach recruitment team leads on engaging London’s diverse communities to encourage them to consider a career with the Brigade. The team knows from feedback at events that under-represented groups have little awareness of the variety of roles and opportunities that exist at LFB and consequently, the team attends events across targeted areas of London where they can engage with under-represented groups. These opportunities include Skills London at ExCel London, Pride, Black Pride, Notting Hill Carnival, Lambeth Country Show – and stalls at shopping centres (at times co-ordinated with the Metropolitan Police Service), gyms, hairdressers, colleges and schools. The Brigade also utilises social media to generate interest and in the past 18 months, this has resulted in 558 women and 431 people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities expressing an interest to join as a firefighter.

E-scooter offences

Unmesh Desai: Please advise how many reports of illegal e-scooter use the Met has received in each of the last 3 years including 2021 to date. Please also advise how many charges or cautions, fines or charges have been made relating to illegal e-scooter use during the same time period.

The Mayor: Please see the attached information supplied by the Metropolitan Police Service related to traffic offence reports and e-scooters. I have been advised that there is no reliable method for identifying reports relating to e-scooters due to large numbers of changing manufacturers supplying these vehicles in the UK and no option to use vehicle lookup on the recording systems. Therefore, the attached information may provide an incomplete picture.
The recent reduction in TORs is because the MPS have increased the use of warnings for riders of e-scooters, as part of an approach to increase education and engagement about the legal status of these vehicles.

The Mayor: 3413_E-scooter offences_V3 (1).xlsx

Taxi Charging Tariff

Keith Prince: With a recent tariff fee increase by BP Pulse, a dedicated taxi charge point supplier, making costs per mile comparable with petrol, what help and support will you and TfL provide for drivers who were told significant energy fuel savings would mitigate the cost of these very expensive ZEC vehicles?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) introduced zero emission capable (ZEC) licensing requirements for taxis in January 2018 to help tackle London’s toxic air. The diesel taxi fleet has been a significant contributor to poor air quality, particularly in central London.
Taxi drivers have had financial support to switch to cleaner taxis with taxi delicensing payments of up to £10,000 per vehicle, in addition to grants of up to £7,500 for new ZEC taxis. The costs of using public rapid charging infrastructure have increased in line with increases in the costs of electricity. Many taxi drivers charge their vehicles at home. and while domestic rates are also rising, they are still proportionately cheaper, allowing taxi drivers to continue benefiting from lower running costs.
TfL did not set cost caps with suppliers for its existing rapid charge points, including those dedicated to electric taxis, as these are operated on a commercial basis via TfL’s procurement framework. However, TfL has done everything possible through this framework to make sure fair and reasonable pricing is applied. BP Pulse’s current tariff price is between 52p and 65p per kWh for its 50kW rapid charge points, which is broadly equivalent to other charge point operators.

Clipping pedestrians on the pavement (1)

Keith Prince: For each year Sep 19 to Aug 20, Sep 20 to Aug 21 and Sep 21 to Aug 22 how many reports of powered-two wheelers clipping pedestrians on the pavement have been reported to TfL?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is able to use police-reported STATS19 personal injury collision data to identify collisions where a pedestrian on the footway has been injured by a powered two-wheeler recorded as also being on the footway.
Using this information, TfL can provide the following numbers of people injured up to the end of April 2022 (the latest validated, processed and published information it has). All 2022 records are currently provisional and subject to change.
Pedestrians casualties injured in a collision with a powered two-wheeler recorded as on the footway / pavement September 2019 – April 2022 provisional
*provisional

MPS interviewing policy (1)

Caroline Russell: The GLA recently accepted recommendations about the diversity of interview panels proposed in a February 2022 report, Independent Review of Ethnic Minority experiences at GLA, by The Equal Group. Does the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have a similar rule or policy about the diversity of interview panels?

The Mayor: Yes, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) utilise a Hiring Manager’s Toolkit which applies to local recruitment for both police staff and officers.
The police officer recruitment process follows the national standard and approach set out by the College of Policing. Each candidate completes a number of assessments with multiple assessors recruited from a range of communities.

Taxi Insurance Premiums

Keith Prince: With the decrease in taxi driver numbers, one significant consideration for older licensees when renewing is high and prohibitive vehicle insurance premiums. Will you work with the insurance industry to find a solution?

The Mayor: I recognise that costs faced by everyone at the moment, including licensed taxi and private hire drivers, across a broad range of areas are high and may increase further.
Insurance costs are one of the factors taken into account as part of the cost index that is used to inform decisions about taxi fares.
I cannot set insurance premiums and neither can Transport for London. However, there are a number of industry and driver representative bodies and unions who are well placed to individually, or collectively, engage with and lobby insurance companies on behalf of their members.

TPH Telephony Service

Keith Prince: When will the Taxi and Private Hire licensee telephony service be reopened?

The Mayor: As part of the modernisation of Transport for London’s (TfL) Taxi and Private Hire licensing service, it was always planned to close the telephony service once its new licensing system, due in Spring 2023, was delivered.
However, due to the pandemic, the timescale for closing the service was brought forward. Licensees can still contact TfL via email and TfL proactively contacts drivers by telephone on a case-by-case basis where further assistance is required or requested.
Vehicle licensing inspections and appointments for driver assessments can still be booked by telephone.
The new licensing system will provide more flexibility for licensees with self-service options and the ability to check the status of their application online.

ULEZ Compliance Rate

Caroline Pidgeon: What was the ULEZ compliance rate in the area covered by the ULEZ extension for the months of (a) January, (b) February, (c) March and (d) April 2022?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) publishes quarterly ULEZ factsheets, which are available in the Finance, Operations and Performance section of its website at https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/ultra-low-emission-zone The factsheets include information about monthly compliance rates. The most recent factsheet covers the period from January to March 2022.
I have also recently published the Expanded ULEZ Six Month Report which highlights the growth in compliance rates since the weeks before the launch of the scheme to May 2022. The report is available on the GLA website: https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/environment-publications/expanded-ultra-low-emission-zone-six-month-report

ULEZ Penalty Charge Notices (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: How many Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) for ULEZ non-compliance were issued to drivers of vehicles registered within the current ULEZ boundary in the months (a) January (b) February (c) March and (d) April 2022?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) publishes quarterly ULEZ factsheets, which are available in the Finance, Operations and Performance section of its website at https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/ultra-low-emission-zone . The factsheets include information about the average daily PCNs issued for non-compliance with the scheme. The most recent factsheet covers the period from January to March 2022.
The table below shows the total number of PCNs that have been issued per month as of 10 May 2022. The table also breaks down the number issued to vehicles registered to postcodes within and outside the expanded ULEZ boundary.
Jan-22
Feb-22
Mar-22
Apr-22
Postcode inside ULEZ boundary
46,866
39,619
42,042
37,639
Postcode outside ULEZ boundary
138,456
127,703
133,464
127,651

ULEZ Penalty Charge Notices (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: How many Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) for ULEZ non-compliance were issued to drivers of vehicles registered outside of the current ULEZ boundary in the month (a) January (b) February (c) March and (d) April 2022?

The Mayor: Please refer to my response to 2022/1415.

Monetary Value of ULEZ Penalty Charge Notices (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: What was the total monetary value for ULEZ-related Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) issued to drivers of vehicles registered within the current ULEZ boundary in the month (a) January (b) February (c) March and (d) April 2022?

The Mayor: Unlike the LEZ, which has different levels of penalties for different vehicle types, all ULEZ PCNs are £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
Please refer to my response to 2022/1415 for a breakdown of the number of PCNs issued between January and April 2022 broken down by vehicles registered to postcodes within and outside the expanded ULEZ boundary. The table below shows the value of those PCNs at the time they were issued.
Value of ULEZ PCNs Issued
Jan-22
Feb-22
Mar-22
Apr-22
To postcodes inside ULEZ boundary
£3,749,280
£3,169,520
£3,363,360
£3,011,120
To postcodes outside ULEZ boundary
£11,076,480
£10,216,240
£10,677,120
£10,212,080

Black Cabs Charges

Susan Hall: Since 2016, what additional or increased charges have London's Black Cab trade had to pay?

The Mayor: The licence fees payable to Transport for London are set out on TfL’s website.
These fees were last increased in 2017 as set out in TPH Notice 12/17.

Black Cab Numbers

Susan Hall: How many Black Cabs and drivers were operating in London for each year since 2016?

The Mayor: Transport for London publishes licensing statistics on a weekly basis here and this includes historic licensing data (from 2009/10 to the present day).

Rotherhithe Tunnel and Rotherhithe Ferry

Marina Ahmad: What steps will you take with TfL to progress works surrounding Rotherhithe Tunnel repairs? My constituents have raised concerns that the Rotherhithe Ferry, planned to be a pedestrian and cycle crossing, has been cancelled given that it was meant to replace the original Rotherhithe Bridge project.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has completed design work and preparation of tender documents for the detailed design and build for the major renewal of Rotherhithe Tunnel. However, owing to TfL’s lack of long-term funding certainty, the tendering process for the detailed design and build stage is currently paused. A series of short-term interventions are being put in place to ensure the tunnel remains safe and operable until the main refurbishment project can be progressed.
The delivery of any proposed new crossings, such as the Rotherhithe Ferry, will be conditional on TfL receiving long-term funding support from government.

Lordship Lane (A2216)/Dulwich Crossing

Marina Ahmad: What steps will you take with (a) TfL and (b) Southwark Council to deliver road safety initiatives and active travel schemes on Lordship Lane (A2216)? What plans do you have to deliver additional crossings on Lordship Lane’s dangerous junctions? What steps will you take to deliver cycle lanes and active travel initiatives on this road?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has designed pedestrian improvements at the junction of the A2216 Lordship Lane with the A205 Dulwich Common, which are planned for construction in 2023, subject to consultation and funding. The London Borough of Southwark is responsible for the A2216 Lordship Lane, and TfL works closely with council officers to develop and fund schemes through its Local Implementation Plan (LIP).
Southwark undertook a scoping study and outline design on Lordship Lane in 2019 to establish where improvements could be made to improve footways and crossings. This project is currently on hold due to funding constraints and the prioritisation of resources in other parts of the borough. Subject to confirmation of further capital funding, TfL will work with the borough to revisit this project in future.

Homelessness Provision (3)

Sem Moema: What steps are you taking to prepare for any rise in homelessness this winter with the current cost of living crisis ongoing?

The Mayor: In addition to steps outlined in my response to question 2022/3363, I’ve urged the government to take immediate action to tackle steep increases in private rents. I’ve demanded powers to temporarily freeze rents and stressed the need to ensure the benefits available to private tenants reflect rents
For the sake of both private and social tenants who need benefits to help with their rent, I’ve reiterated my call for government to end its Benefit Cap.
I’ll respond to the government’s recently published consultation on limiting rent rises in the social sector to below inflation.
I’ve already responded to the government’s consultation on funding for local authorities’ homelessness services. I urged it develop alternative proposals based on more robust indicators of need and - critically for London - taking account of the supply and cost of homes.
These steps need to sit alongside other measures I’ve called for – for example, emergency measures to help with fuel costs.
My team at City Hall are working closely in partnership with councils, charities, and other partners to try to ensure there is a collective response to any big spike in homelessness which might occur. This includes making sure that everyone sleeping rough in London is protected during the coldest temperatures. As normal, I will activate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) when temperatures drop to 0°C anywhere in London. This means that councils across London must open emergency accommodation for people who are sleeping rough during the worst weather conditions. City Hall’s own severe weather provision will be available to anyone who finds that local provision is full.

PHV Regulations (2)

Elly Baker: Following MQ 2022/1721, can you confirm which operators were in the second, third, fourth, etc tranches and which of those operators are in full compliance with the High Court decision and all TfL notices and guidance?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2022/2367.

Monetary Value of ULEZ Penalty Charge Notices (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: What was the total monetary value for ULEZ-related Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) issued to drivers of vehicles registered outside of the current ULEZ boundary in the month (a) January (b) February (c) March and (d) April 2022?

The Mayor: Please refer to my response to 2022/1417.

London Overground Ticket Offices (2)

Elly Baker: In January 2020 TfL announced that “Further changes are planned to improve the service with new world-leading video ticket machine technology currently being trialled at a number of stations”. Can you provide an update on these changes and what the results of the trial were?

The Mayor: The result of the pilot for the Video Link system was that the system was well received by those who used it, but take-up was lower than anticipated. The pilot ended in March 2020 just as the first lockdown started, and the system has remained offline since that time. The future of this scheme is yet to be confirmed.

Casualties in e-scooter trial

Elly Baker: Table 3: Reported e-scooters involved in collisions by ownership type, Great Britain, 2021 (provisional, selected police forces) from the Reported Road casualties Great Britain: e-Scooter factsheet 2021 (provisional) shows the Metropolitan Police recording 1 collision from a private e-scooter, 4 from a rental e-scooter and 482 were unknown. What steps can you take with the MPS and the rental providers to confirm the exact number of rental scooters involved in a collision versus the number of private e-scooters?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) and scheme operators to enhance the recording of collisions involving e-scooters. This has enabled the reporting of collisions involving e-scooters, as presented in the ‘Casualties in Greater London’ factsheet.
In addition, London e-scooter rental trial headline metrics, including the number of reported injuries, are published each period by TfL. The latest period data can be accessed here.
The DfT has recently issued guidance to police forces, including the Metropolitan and City police, that officers should differentiate between private and rental e-scooters when reporting personal injury collisions. In addition, the DfT STATS19 review includes a new category of ‘powered personal transporter device.’ These efforts will further improve TfL’s ability to differentiate between rental and privately-owned e-scooters in personal injury collisions.

TfL’s Failure to Publish Timely Bus Safety Data

Keith Prince: Following up on your responses to Questions 2021/0559 and 2021/1980, how can you explain why TfL is nine months behind in publishing its Quarterly Bus Safety Data?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) apologises for the delay in publishing aspects of the Quarterly Bus Safety Data. It has published updated Bus fatalities data to June 2022 and updated the dashboard to March 2022, while the injury detail and Safety Performance Index summary files have detail to December 2021. The cause of this was a process error which resulted in this dataset not being updated alongside the other output. TfL will ensure that all the outstanding files are published to coincide with the next quarterly update. To prevent this from happening again, TfL has put in place a number of additional checks for future publications.

Supporting London's Police

Emma Best: What more can you do to support the Police in London?

The Mayor: I have supported the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) by funding 1,300 additional officers and providing £900k over three years for recruitment outreach, all while the government was cutting funding. I have also attended dedicated recruitment outreach events alongside police officers and regularly amplify calls for recruitment on behalf of the MPS. I have also engaged with partners and directly with communities to raise awareness about policing in London as a career. I continue to call upon the Home Office to fund the officers that London needs.
I have also supported and helped fund the provision of protective equipment and vital technology, such as Body Worn Video, to help keep officers safe and I have backed calls for increased sentences for those that assault our emergency workers.
I use my convening powers to bring partners together to tackle some of the most serious issues in London. Following a rise in the number of teenage homicides in 2021, I asked the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to convene a Reducing Teenage Homicide Partnership to ensure that there is collective action on this issue.
Lastly, the new Commissioner will have my full support in confronting and addressing the cultural and other problems within the MPS.

Spanish Practices (2)

Tony Devenish: Do you consider it acceptable in 2022 that rail workers are unable to maintain engineering assets only 5 minutes apart because the equipment is manufactured by a different company?

The Mayor: The assets Transport for London (TfL) has in place have been procured over time. Its Commercial teams work with the business areas to source the most appropriate assets based on their ability to meet its technical/cost requirements. This means that TfL will at times use different companies to provide these assets.
Depending on the asset, it is either maintained in house under set maintenance regimes or a contractor is used to do the work. For both approaches TfL ensures that the individual maintaining that asset has the requisite skills, knowledge and experience to maintain the asset safely and effectively.
Some assets require the individual maintaining and operating the asset to have several years of training, so TfL has some very skilled engineers and maintenance staff within the business and across its contractor teams.

TfL’s Independent Assurance of the Condition of the Bus Fleet through ‘Engineering Quality Monitoring’.

Keith Prince: In your response to Question 2017/0037, you stated "TfL independently assures the condition of the bus fleet through engineering quality monitoring. This involves monthly inspections, covering around a quarter of the fleet each year and helps to ensure vehicles are fit for purpose regardless of age, make and model.”
How can you, therefore, explain the fact that bus drivers have, for years, consistently provided evidence that air conditioning does not work on many buses during the summer months?

The Mayor: Please see my answers to MQ2022/2930, MQ2022/2931, MQ2022/2812 and MQ2022/2993.

Lack of Toilet Dignity for London Bus Drivers: Route Risk Assessment Information

Keith Prince: For each of the routes identified in question 2022/0787, please provide me with TfL’s or its contractor’s risk assessments for each of these routes.

The Mayor: Transport for London do not publish details of bus operator Route Risk Assessments for commercial reasons.
Risk assessments are provided to us by the bus operators on the understanding that they will be held in confidence.
Please see my answer to question 2021/4507 for a previous response on this subject.

Thames Path in East London (1)

Unmesh Desai: Do you support proposals for the Thames Path in East London to be continuous along the river, by using bridges and river walkways on stilts, in order for the cyclists and pedestrians to walk the path without ever leaving the river?

The Mayor: The Thames Path forms part of the Walk London Network, one of the largest leisure walking networks of any world city. Transport for London and I recognise that barriers exist which are preventing too many Londoners from using the network.
In my 2021 manifesto I committed to publishing a new plan for connecting parks and green spaces with local communities, making sure these green routes are accessible for everyone, including improving existing walking routes. This leisure walking plan – to be published later this year – will set out a series of improvements to the Walk London Network which can be delivered in the short and medium term. Success will require coordinated action from local authorities and those who own and manage walking routes like the Thames Path.

Extending the Hopper fare time limit

Siân Berry: Given the Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) for your proposed bus cuts appears to acknowledge that Londoners who will have to change buses several times to complete their current journeys may not be covered by the one-hour Hopper fare time limit, will you consider modelling the costs and potential benefits of: a) extending the Hopper fare time limit, and b) making bus journeys free if they link with tube journeys within this time limit?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) analysis shows that very few journeys that are currently made within an hour and utilise the Hopper fare are likely to take more than an hour as a result of the proposed changes to bus routes.
After a first trip, subsequent bus journeys made within an hour are already free whether these trips and taken consecutively or whether a Tube journey is made in between. Many customers making multiple bus and Tube journeys during the day will continue to save money due to daily capping.
As a result of this, TfL do not consider it is necessary to amend the Hopper fare at this time.

Secure cycle parking provision (1)

Siân Berry: How many residential cycle hangars are currently installed in each borough in London, and how many new bike hangars pending installation have been funded by you and relevant councils?

The Mayor: Cycle hangars are installed by London boroughs and are owned and managed by boroughs. Based on data shared by two of the leading companies installing cycle hangars in London on behalf of London boroughs, Transport for London (TfL) estimate that in summer 2020 there were at least 2,611 cycle hangars in London, installed on-street or on housing association land. The table below indicates the number of hangars per borough.
TfL estimate that number to have grown to over 3,000 cycle hangars since summer 2020, a 150 per cent increase since 2017-18.
Since the publication of the Cycle Parking Implementation Plan in July 2019, TfL has funded the delivery of 4,794 secure cycle parking spaces (equivalent to 799 cycle hangars) through its Healthy Streets investment programme. In 2022, additional funding was allocated to boroughs to install a further 618 secure residential spaces (equivalent to 103 cycle hangars) by March 2023.
Boroughs are installing more spaces via other funding sources, including their own funding streams (e.g. parking revenue) of which TfL has no sight.
Estimated number of existing cycle hangars per borough as of Summer 2020 (source: Cyclehoop and Falco cycle hangar installation data, 2020):
Borough
Number of cycle hangars
LB Barking and Dagenham
4
LB Barnet
8
LB Brent
68
LB Bromley
31
LB Camden
123
LB Croydon
26
LB Ealing
31
LB Enfield
39
Royal Borough of Greenwich
35
LB Hackney
386
LB Hammersmith & Fulham
39
LB Haringey
99
LB Hounslow
6
LB Islington
244
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
40
Royal Borough of Kingston
10
LB Lambeth
282
LB Lewisham
110
LB Merton
21
LB Newham
110
LB Richmond upon Thames
1
LB Southwark
255
LB Sutton
9
LB Tower Hamlets
60
LB Waltham Forest
455
LB Wandsworth
14
LB Redbridge
2
LB Westminster
103

Cryptocurrency advertising on the Transport for London network (2)

Siân Berry: Thank you for your answer to my question 2021/4456. Anyone purchasing the cryptocurrency whose adverts sparked my concern most recently would have lost rather than gained from that purchase. Are you really going to wait until thousands of Londoners have lost money to unregulated and suspect ‘investments’ before you stop accepting applications for advertisements for cryptocurrency and related trading platforms on Transport for London (TfL) services?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has a robust review process in place to assess all advertising for cryptocurrencies. TfL reviews all cryptocurrency advertising against the Enforcement Notice published by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP); the authority responsible for setting the advertising rules enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). All advertising which is promoting investment opportunities into cryptocurrencies must feature prominent disclaimers warning people that:
CAP, and TfL, also stipulate that advertising for cryptocurrency investment opportunities must not:
TfL meets regularly with the ASA and Financial Conduct Authority to discuss the ongoing management of crypto asset advertising.

Energy Costs and TfL (1)

Leonie Cooper: How have recent energy price rises impacted on Transport for London's energy costs? What are the current and projected energy costs for TfL from now to 2025?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is the largest energy consumer in London and takes a careful approach to energy procurement, hedging its energy price up to 30 months ahead of delivery. Using this method, for the current financial year (April 2022 to March 2023) it has largely avoided the full extent of the increasing wholesale price of energy, with full year costs expected at £253m.
For April 2023 to March 2024, TfL has the majority of its energy hedged; however, if wholesale energy prices remain at current levels TfL would expect to see an increase of approximately £42m.
For April 2024 to March 2025, TfL has a proportion of its energy hedged and, if wholesale prices remain at current levels, TfL would expect to see a further increase of approximately £44m.
TfL’s strategy is to move to 100% renewable energy by 2030. This will be achieved in large part through Power Purchase Agreements (the first of which is currently out for tender), which will provide the ability to hedge electricity prices for up to 15 years while also reducing carbon emissions.

Solar Generation and the Elizabeth line (2)

Leonie Cooper: How much solar capacityhas been added to each individual Elizabeth line station?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2022/1969.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (11)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 11 “TfL will work with the boroughs, the NHS and GPs to include the benefits of walking and cycling within public health campaigns in the run up to 2012 and develop a range of options for GPs, based on good practice, to encourage walking and cycling” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: I cannot provide an assessment of the delivery of a pledge relating to preparations for the Olympics.
However, since I became Mayor in 2016, I have embedded a public health approach at the heart of my transport strategy and reflected this in the London Plan, London Environment Strategy and the London Health Inequalities Strategy.
I am supporting partners including the NHS and London’s public health teams to encourage more walking and cycling through taking the following actions:

Short Term Review of Shift Lengths, Patterns and Rotas

Keith Prince: Per Recommendation 3 of UCL IHE’s Phase 2 Study, did TfL ever conduct a “short term review of shift lengths, patterns and rotas”? If so, please provide me with a copy of this review and all background documentation (emails, memos, handwritten notes) associated with it. If no such review was conducted, please explain why.

The Mayor: To support Transport for London (TfL) and its stakeholders in understanding the suitability, limitations and potential for using existing fatigue and/or risk assessment scheduling and rostering tools, TfL has commissioned the University of Surrey to undertake a review of fatigue risk assessment tools. The first phase of this work is underway and is due to be completed this year. TfL is also committed to exploring fatigue detection technology further to help bus operators look for potential links between fatigue incidents and the schedules and rosters bus drivers work.
The approach to bus drivers shifts and allocation of shifts is up to bus operators and their individual business needs and all rosters and shift scheduling must comply with national regulations. Bus operators provide flexible shifts to drivers where possible.
A short-term review of shift lengths, patterns and rotas, in response to recommendation 3 in the UCL report, has not yet been undertaken while TfL completes the work reviewing fatigue risk assessment tools and undertakes work to explore the potential links between fatigue incidents and schedules and rosters through a trial of fatigue detection technology. This work will help to inform the purpose and scope of a future review of shift lengths, patterns and rotas by first providing insight on the types of shifts and rotas that may influence the likelihood of fatigue.

Signing the Charter for Parks

Zack Polanski: Will you sign the Charter for Parks, to protect and invest in London’s public green spaces for the benefit of the city’s nature and people?

The Mayor: Thank you for sharing the Parks Charter. I know how important parks are to Londoners. We’re fortunate to have a thriving Friends of Parks network in London and it is encouraging that many London Friends Groups are signatories of the Charter.
My policies and programmes support a number of the Charter asks. My green infrastructure funding programmes have awarded over £20m to support the creation and enhancement of green spaces. These are helping deliver my manifesto commitment for all Londoners to live no more than a 10-minute walk from green space. My London Plan provides strong protection for green and open spaces and supports urban greening in new major developments. I supported London to become the world’s first National Park City, a movement with aims complementary to the Parks Charter.
I also support the Parks for London Centre for Excellence. Their Good Parks for London annual report promotes well-run parks. The Centre also has a valuable role in sharing wider good practice and highlights key funding opportunities.

Vision Zero: Outcomes of Disciplinary Hearings of Bus Drivers involved in Safety Incidents

Keith Prince: As part of your Vision Zero Programme, does TfL receive any information from bus operators about the outcomes of disciplinary hearings of bus drivers involved in safety incidents?

If so, for the period July 2018 to the present, please provide me with detailed data showing the number of disciplinary hearings involving bus drivers resulting from safety incidents that could cause (or have caused) death or serious injury presented as follows:

1. Month of Incident
2. Severity of Incident (Death, Serious Injury, Near Miss)
3. Incident Category (collision, slip/fall)
4. Travel Mode of Victim (passenger, pedestrian, cyclist)
5. Age & Sex of Victim
6. Bus Operator Name
7. Bus Route Number
8. Model and Make of Bus Involved
9. Council Area where incident occurred
10. Outcome of Disciplinary Hearing

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2022/2975.

Accessibility: Dealing with Bus Wheelchair Ramp Faults

Keith Prince: Does TfL issue bus operators with a standard procedure for bus drivers to deal with wheelchair ramp faults? If so, will you provide this procedure to me?

The Mayor: Checking the accessibility ramp is part of the first-use checks undertaken by the bus driver before a bus leaves the garage, specified in the 2019 edition of Transport for London’s (TfL’s) Big Red Book, which is bus drivers’ instruction manual. This instructs drivers to report any problem and to arrange for the bus to be repaired or substituted before leaving the garage.
In the rare event that the ramp should fail when the bus is in service, drivers are directed to contact their garage immediately so that the problem can be fixed, or the bus substituted at the earliest opportunity. If this happens when a person requiring the ramp is on board, the driver is advised to contact the garage for advice, and to discuss options with the customer as the solution will differ based on circumstances.
Bus operators have further safety obligations concerning accessibility ramps stipulated by the Department for Transport’s Traffic Commissioner in relation to the Public Service Vehicle operator licence they hold.

Vision Zero: Bus Company Disciplinary Procedures resulting from Safety Incidents that could cause (or have caused) Death or Serious Injury

Keith Prince: Does TfL receive copies of individual bus company disciplinary procedures resulting from safety incidents that could cause death or serious Injury? If so, could you provide each of these procedures to me?

The Mayor: As the employer, the bus operators are responsible for the actions of their drivers and for taking any disciplinary measures against their employees in line with their internal HR policies.
Information collected by the individual bus companies as part of their investigations into serious incidents is made available to Transport for London (TfL). On the occasions when the incident has prompted a disciplinary procedure, this would normally include confirmation of the high-level outcome.
While this information is made available to TfL on a confidential basis, it wouldn’t be made public by either the bus company or TfL, and I believe doing so would undermine the trust and safety culture that TfL is working hard to build across the bus operating companies.

Watch Your Speed Campaign (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: What measurable outcomes have been achieved by TfL’s ‘Watch Your Speed’ campaign targeting drivers and urging them to drive at an appropriate speed since the update in the last Vision Zero action plan progress report in December 2021?

The Mayor: Speed remains the most common contributing factor in a collision that results in a death or serious injury on London’s roads. In 2019, Transport for London launched the ‘Watch Your Speed’ (WYS) behaviour change campaign to tackle this dangerous driving behaviour and influence drivers to change their speeding habits. The campaign has been fully supported by key road safety stakeholders including THINK! since it went live.
The results from the latest consumer survey (June 2022) for this campaign, shows awareness of all Vision Zero advertising - of which ‘Watch Your Speed’ is the lead road safety message – at 44 per cent, an increase of 6 percent from the 20/21 baseline figure. 78 per cent of drivers who recognise the campaign also say the advertising makes them think about how fast they drive.
Drivers who report they have changed their driving behaviours by ‘ceasing to drive too fast’ is 25 per cent, an increase of 4 per cent on the previous results.
There remains work to do to achieve Vision Zero - no deaths or serious injuries on London’s roads or transport network by 2041. Some Londoners continue to drive at inappropriate speeds, therefore targeting those who drive too fast remains a key focus for the road safety team.

Cleaning Frequency at TfL Bus Stops and Shelters

Caroline Pidgeon: Two years ago, you halved the cleaning frequency of bus stops and shelters. The Bus Action Plan includes proposals to improve the experience of waiting for a bus at stops and shelters. Will you increase the cleaning frequency to ensure a clean and safe environment for bus passengers?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is committed to a clean and safe environment at all its bus stops and shelters. TfL has responsibility for around 12,500 of the 14,000 shelters within Greater London, with 500-600 shelter cleans happening each night. The 1,500 not owned by TfL are mainly maintained by London Borough (LB) Croydon, LB Camden and JC Decaux advertising.
Bus stop and shelter cleaning service levels were reduced in 2016-17, following the removal of the central government TfL grant. The change reduced the cleaning regime from a 1 or 2 weekly clean to a 2 and 4 weekly clean. Over 2021-22, TfL has been working closely with its cleaning contractor to improve standards following a significant rise in vandalism, graffiti, and flyposting over the COVID period. This has been successful in improving standards.
In 2021, a weekly clean was introduced at 500 high patronage / high vandalism shelters, mostly on London’s high streets. Cleaners have been supplied with higher grade lighting, improved cleaning tools and graffiti removal kits. TfL has also been working with the Metropolitan Police to help prevent repeat flyposting. The TfL contractor audit regime has also been significantly improved, doubling on-street monitoring. Our audits are now seeing 80-90 percent pass rates.
TfL continue to monitor the situation closely and will continue to adapt its approach to on street concerns.

Watch your Speech Campaign Research

Caroline Pidgeon: Will you publish the findings of the research conducted about the ‘Watch Your Speed’ advertising campaign?

The Mayor: Whilst Transport for London does not currently publish the marketing campaign tracker results, within the Vision Zero Action Plan progress report which was published in November 2021, the Watch Your Speed campaign awareness results were published, stating awareness of our Vision Zero advertising at the time had risen from 31 per cent to 44 percent. It was also stated that the pre campaign research showed the emotional impact of our advertising performed above industry average. (System 1 Research; conducted December 2019)
The latest tracking of the Watch Your Speed campaign shows that recognition peaked at 55 per cent in March 2022, with recognition currently at 44 per cent (June 2022) and 78 per cent of drivers who recognise the campaign say the advertising makes them think about how fast they drive.
Vision Zero Action Plan progress report can be found here; https://content.tfl.gov.uk/vision-zero-action-plan-progress-report-2021.pdf

Watch your Speech Campaign (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: What further actions are you taking to build on the work of the ‘Watch Your Speed’ campaign?

The Mayor: Speed remains the most common contributing factor in a collision that results in a death or serious injury on London’s roads. Transport for London’s (TfL) Vision Zero Action Plan sets out measures under each of the safe system pillars to address illegal or inappropriate speed.
Alongside TfL’s marketing campaigns, TfL is working with the Metropolitan Police to increase and target enforcement capacity; working collaboratively with the boroughs to lower speed limits on key roads; implementing Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) on its road vehicle fleets and working with Government to advocate ISA in UK vehicle regulations.

Bus Network Demand by Borough

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide updated TfL figures for bus network demand by borough on an average weekday for the month of June.

The Mayor: The attached table presents a summary of the total bus passenger boarding demand across London’s bus network, broken down by borough for the weekday average during the week from Monday 13 June 2022 to Friday 17 June 2022 (inclusive). This date range was chosen as it was not affected by events such as the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in early June or strikes on the London Underground and National Rail networks in late June.
The figures presented have been uplifted to account for non-validation of different ticket types, which do not require passenger to touch in.

The Mayor: 2271 Bus Demand by Borough - Attachment.pdf

TfL Schemes and Vision Zero

Caroline Pidgeon: What assurances can you provide that any future TfL schemes, which include significant alterations to road layouts, specifically for cyclists and pedestrians, will comply with the aims set out in the Vision Zero Action Plan?

The Mayor: Vision Zero is at the heart of Transport for London’s (TfL’s) Healthy Streets portfolio, which aims to create safer spaces for vulnerable road users. Programmes in Healthy Streets include schemes delivering a mix of junction safety improvements, protected cycle routes, lower speed limits, new pedestrian crossings and wider footways – as well as transformational schemes that tackle collision risks over a wider area.
TfL’s world class engineers apply a wide range of guidance when developing schemes – including the Healthy Streets Check for Designers, London Cycling Design Standards, and Department for Transport design guidance.Road Safety Audits are completed at each stage of the design process, which carefully consider the impacts of any proposed changes. TfL also collects pre and post-implementation collision data to assess each individual location to identify what works well, and if lessons can be learnt for future projects.

Safer Junctions Programme

Caroline Pidgeon: How many outstanding improvement works are planned as part of the Safer Junctions Programme for the financial year 2022/23?

The Mayor: In April 2017, the Safer Junctions programme highlighted 73 dangerous junctions on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) that have high vulnerable road user collision rates. Work to 43 of these junctions is now complete with monitoring showing significant collision reductions across the programme for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Design work continues on the remaining 30 junctions, including detailed design of York Road roundabout and Holloway Road/Drayton Park, which will deliver motorcycle and pedestrian safety measures. Detailed design work has started on a new 20mph speed limit through the junction of A205 Upper Richmond Road with Putney Hill/Putney High Street - the first phase of a three-stage approach to improve road danger at this location.
These three schemes could complete detailed design and move into construction this financial year. However, this is subject to the Government providing a longer-term sustainable funding deal.
TfL is also engaging on proposals to further improve safety for walking and cycling at Battersea Bridge’s junction with Cheyne Walk, which include three new pedestrian crossings as well as better facilities for cycling.

Cycle Superhighway Maintenance (2)

Neil Garratt: Was the Cycle Superhighway maintenance schedule interrupted due to the pandemic?

The Mayor: The maintenance schedule for Cycleways was not interrupted during the pandemic.
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2022/2172.

City Airport

Len Duvall: Do you plan to respond to the consultation and what is your opinion on whether or not City Airport should be expanded?

The Mayor: As per Mayor’s Question 2022/2287, I have now responded to the consultation by London City Airport on its plans for a substantial increase in its operating hours and passenger numbers, and this will be published shortly at https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/aviation.
The Airport has failed to demonstrate that its proposals can be implemented without very significant environmental impacts – including a forecast 79 per cent increase in carbon emissions – and as such I have strongly urged the Airport to reconsider.

Independent Investigation into Croydon Tram Safety Audits

Neil Garratt: Now that Transport for London and FirstGroup-owned Tram Operations Limited have indicated they will plead guilty to health and safety failings over the 2016 Croydon tram crash, will you now appoint an independent investigator to look into TfL’s handling of the three safety audits of the Croydon Tram undertaken by TfL in 2014, 2016 and 2017?

The Mayor: The indication of plea by Transport for London in response to the ORR prosecution for contravening section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 does not alter the position as set out in my previous responses on this topic.

Cycle Superhighway Maintenance (3)

Neil Garratt: If the Cycle Superhighway maintenance schedule was interrupted due to the pandemic is it your intention to reinstate that schedule and, if so, when?

The Mayor: The Cycle Superhighway maintenance schedule was not interrupted during the pandemic. The provision of additional infrastructure is dependent on securing a long-term funding deal from central government
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2022/2172.

Mayoral Support for Cargo Bikes

Hina Bokhari: What is the latest support you have provided small businesses, including within Business Improvement Districts, to transition to more sustainable forms of freight delivery, such as cargo bikes?

The Mayor: In order to meet my Transport Strategy target of ensuring 80 per cent of all trips are made using sustainable modes by 2041, we continue to work with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), business groups and other stakeholders to promote sustainable delivery concepts.
Examples of support include the ‘Parcels Not Pollution’ project with Hammersmith BID. Established in 2019, this project enabled deliveries to a consolidation centre using cargo bikes for last-mile delivery. Between September 2019 and September 2021 there were almost 4,000 deliveries, taking well over 7,000 return van journeys off the road and removing 950kg of CO2. ‘InStreatham’, a south London BID, has also received funding to purchase a cargo bike to help reduce van traffic for local deliveries.
Transport for London (TfL) has also developed a useful toolkit to enable businesses to replicate established schemes to transition to cargo bikes for their own deliveries and has been exploring and trialling innovative solutions including types of cargo bike for last mile delivery via the FreightLab program.
Finally, TfL is bringing together cargo bike focused policies and initiatives in its new Cargo Bike Strategy due for publication later this year.

Cuts to Bus Mileage (2)

Emma Best: Please provide a monthly breakdown of total TfL bus mileage since May 2016.

The Mayor: The attached table presents a summary of the total operated bus vehicle mileage across the London Buses network, by calendar month since 1 May 2016. The latest calendar month for which complete figures are available is May 2022.
The operated mileage figures presented for 2021/22 onwards are provisional and are subject to standard annual reviews. The figures for 2021/22 will be finalised later this year.
The totals are those miles contracted by Transport for London as part of the main bus network and do not include extra buses operated on behalf of the Department for Education for schools during the pandemic or extra buses, such as rail replacements.
TfL has always adjusted the network to reflect our changing city. Demand on some routes into central London has decreased since 2014, due to changing travel patterns and the availability of different public transport options in these areas.

The Mayor: 2666 Cuts to Bus Mileage (2) - Attachment.pdf

ULEZ Expansion Alternatives

Emma Best: What consideration was given to spending the £200 million that has been put aside to cover the cost of expanding the ULEZ, on other ways of improving London’s air quality?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) already has a number of other initiatives ongoing which seek to improve London’s air quality by reducing harmful emissions from road transport, including cleaning up its bus fleet, installing thousands of electric vehicle charging points, and investing in cycling and walking.
However, to have the kind of impact on transport emissions required and to meet my ambition for London to be a zero carbon city by 2030, further options were considered this year. Several were discounted as part of the process toward getting to a preferred scheme to significantly reduce emissions:
1) Clean Air Charge (low-level emissions charge for all non-electric vehicles)
2) Strengthened expansion of Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to outer London (i.e. expanding the ULEZ and including a low-level charge for all non-electric vehicles)
3) Smart road user charging
4) Greater London Boundary Charge
I asked TfL to proceed to public consultation with proposals for a London-wide ULEZ expansion as this struck the best balance between maximising the health and environmental benefits for Londoners while minimising the cost to drivers. I also asked TfL to continue to develop plans for smart road user charging in the longer term.
The estimated costs to set up the expanded London-wide ULEZ are around £185m.
On top of this, I am delivering policies to clean up non-transport sources of pollution, such as through my Non-Road Mobile Machinery Low Emission Zone for construction vehicles and guidance for developers in the London Plan.

Cycle Training

Emma Best: Please provide a monthly breakdown of how much TfL has spent on cycle training for every month since May 2016.

The Mayor: Cycle training plays an important role in enabling adults and children in London to cycle safely and confidently.
Cycle training is delivered by the London boroughs who manage their own contracts with cycle training providers.
Historically, boroughs funded cycle training from their Local Implementation Plan (LIPs) budgets and other borough budgets. LIPs budgets were issued annually to each borough by TfL to fund the delivery of infrastructure and other supporting measures such as cycle training.
I remain committed to enabling adults and children in every London borough to benefit from cycle training. However, this is contingent on reaching a good long-term funding settlement from the Government and if future funding is limited, we need to maintain our existing assets in a safe and operable condition before considering funding for other programmes.
TfL’s records show that in 2016/17 TfL did not provide any additional funding to boroughs for cycle training, so any spend on cycle training would have been funded by boroughs from their LIPs or other borough budgets.
The following additional budgets were allocated to boroughs specifically for cycle training to supplement with own allocations from 2017/18 onwards:
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23 YTD
£1,021,000
£1,000,000
£2,500,000
£1,330,000
£2,550,000
£660,000

GLA Premature and Neonatal Leave Policy

Krupesh Hirani: How many Greater London Authority employees have been supported through your premature and neonatal baby leave?

The Mayor: Four Greater London Authority employees have taken up premature and neonatal baby leave since the Premature Birth and Neonatal Care policy was introduced in October 2018. These were all for premature birth leave.

Bus Service volume (1)

Elly Baker: What was the a) Vehicle kms scheduled (million) and b) Vehicle kms operated (million) by London Buses for 2015/16 to 2021/22? Please provide figures for each financial year.

The Mayor: The table below presents a summary of the total scheduled and operated vehicle kilometres across the London bus network, by financial year since 2015/16.
The difference between the scheduled and operated figures is referred to as “lost mileage”. This can be due to multiple factors, such as staff absence, mechanical issues and/or traffic disruptions in the network requiring a re-routing or curtailment of a service.
The operated kilometres presented for the financial year 2021/22 are provisional and are subject to standard annual reviews. They will be finalised later this year.
Financial Year
Scheduled Kilometres (m)
Operated Kilometres (m)
2015/16
507
492
2016/17
508
495
2017/18
500
490
2018/19
491
481
2019/20
486
476
2020/21
471
465
2021/22
485
475

Briar Close, N2

Anne Clarke: There are a number of overgrown trees and shrubbery growing all the way down one side of Briar Close alongside the A406. In addition to this, there is a rat infestation in the shrubbery at the top of the road where the turnaround bay is. Will you ask TfL to cut back substantially the shrubbery, and undertake pest control?

The Mayor: This land does not belong to Transport for London (TfL). These concerns will need to be addressed directly with the landowners. According to land registry details the whole area is owned by Home Group Limited.
TfL does not have the legal right to maintain other organisations’ entities or property, nor is it funded to do so.

Economic Recovery Implementation Plan (4)

Elly Baker: For the “Transport Foundation – Roads renewal” section of the Plan can you confirm a) how much funding TfL is providing to boroughs in 2022/23 for investment in local roads and b) TfL’s own planned spending on its own road network in 2022/23?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) provides funding to boroughs which allows investment on local roads that is complementary to its ambitions for the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) through its own capital programme. This includes the renewal of roads and bridges, as well as enhancements to progress the outcomes of my Transport Strategy (for exampleto support the mode shift to walking, cycling and public transport) on the 95 per cent of London’s streets which the boroughs are responsible for.
TfL’s 2022/23 Surface Asset Capital Programme has a budget of £90m, of which £800k is allocated for funding renewals works or surveys on borough roads. However, this budget is dependent on government providing a fair, longer-term funding deal for TfL.
In terms of Healthy Streets, in total (both borough and TLRN) the allocation to 24 June (the original end date of the current funding agreement before it was extended to 13 July) is £32.2m, of which £10m is directly for boroughs. TfL is unable to confirm any further budget allocation for Healthy Streets until government finally agrees a fair, longer-term funding deal for TfL.
As part of TfL’s funding settlement with HM Government , TfL is providing £3m of funding to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to progress works on the Hammersmith Bridge.

Solar Generation and the Elizabeth line (1)

Leonie Cooper: How much solar generation has been added to Elizabeth line stations intotal?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) aims to always deliver solar power when new buildings are constructed, such as the most recently installed 173kWp solar array on the roof of the Train Modification Unit at Acton. However, only one Elizabeth line station (Whitechapel) employs photo-voltaic panels (PVs) for electricity generation. This is because, at the design stage, this was the only site where use of PVs was viable due to the limited view of unobstructed sky at other stations. Many of the central section Elizabeth line stations were integrated to existing structures on the London Underground network or had over-site developments, which limited the construction of new roofs. The installation at Whitechapel totals 18kWp.
The Elizabeth line’s construction and design has also incorporated a wide range of other measures to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions across the route, including lightweight trains, regenerative braking, maximising natural light within stations, energy efficient LED lighting and the use of low-carbon construction materials. Both solar PV and solar thermal energy systems have been installed at the Old Oak Common train depot, and rainwater harvesting and thermal water heating has also been installed at Custom House station.

Sirens Noise Pollution Policy

Marina Ahmad: Constituents have also complained about the noise of sirens from other emergency services such as ambulances in London during the night. Is there a London-wide policy on siren noise late at night/early hours of the morning? If not, could this issue be looked into by the GLA?

The Mayor: The use of sirens during emergency response is an operational decision for drivers. It is controlled by Regulation 99 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulation 1986. Emergency vehicle drivers know that sirens must be used with restraint, particularly at night, so as not to cause a nuisance to residents or other road users. There will, however, always be occasions when it is necessary for the emergency services to use sirens in the interests of road safety and the protection of the public.
For this reason, it is not possible to consider a policy on siren noise specifically at this time. Whilst my powers to monitor and control noise are limited, I recognise the importance of reducing noise. My spatial development plan for London, the London Plan, contain policies on managing and mitigating noise from new residential and non-aviation development, and my London Environment Strategy recognises the impact that noise can have on Londoner’s quality of life and promotes more quiet and tranquil spaces. Both strategies recognise the impact noise can have on creating Healthy Streets.

East Finchley Station mural

Anne Clarke: A local community group called East Finchley Open Artists and ward Councillors met with TfL officers a year ago regarding the prospect of installing a mural outside East Finchley Station on the bridge. TfL said that they would look at providing quotes for a wooden cover over the brick wall to be painted on, but no further communications have been received. Will you ask TfL to update the group and Councillors on the costings?

The Mayor: Following the meeting in October 2021 to discuss the prospect of installing a mural on the bridge outside East Finchley Station, Transport for London (TfL) officers agreed to provide further relevant guidance about the process for installing a mural. I apologise for the delay in their response and I understand that TfL have now updated you on this.

Reducing Londoners’ exposure to noise pollution

Zack Polanski: What work have you undertaken to reduce Londoners’ exposure to noise pollution?

The Mayor: Whilst my powers to monitor and control noise are limited, I recognise the importance of reducing noise in our city.
My spatial development plan for London, the London Plan, contain policies on managing and mitigating noise from new residential and non-aviation development, and my London Environment Strategy recognises the impact that noise can have on Londoner’s quality of life and promotes more quiet and tranquil spaces. Both strategies recognise the impact noise can have on creating Healthy Streets.
My Transport Strategy, and Transport for London’s (TfL) work more generally, encourage sustainable travel, which has traffic noise reduction benefits, as does TfL’s work to encourage the switch to electric vehicles and electrifying the bus-fleet.
TfL is also supporting Department for Environment and Rural Affair’s (DEFRA) updating of its noise modelling, which will result in interactive and accurate noise maps to better target interventions across the city
TfL is actively working to reduce excessive noise on, and from, the London Underground network. TfL carries out targeted interventions to reduce noise, including rail grinding, removing redundant rail joints, maintaining points and crossings, replacing track fastenings, and re-ballasting track.
Finally, as air traffic has rebounded, aircraft noise is once again a significant concern to Londoners. In the London Plan, I set out clearly the need for the noise impacts of aviation to be fully addressed and I have pressed Government on this issue. I continue to challenge proposals by London’s airports that risk worsening aircraft noise.

SMEs in London (1)

Tony Devenish: SME businesses often lack the resource and funding to prioritise making ESG investments. Rather than levy the ULEZ on individuals, wouldn’t you be better off focusing on the provision of free ESG consultancy and grant support for London’s circa 1 million SME businesses to assist them reaching their net zero ambitions?

The Mayor: Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions bring high costs to Londoners – our economy, livelihoods, environment and health. Tackling these challenges will reduce these costs now and in the future.
The ULEZ maximises the health benefits for Londoners while minimising the cost to individuals and businesses. Should I decide to expand it London-wide, I have committed to the largest scrappage scheme feasible..
My programmes already help SMEs tackle pollution and reach net zero. My Business Climate Challenge (BCC) provides them with dedicated support to address emissions from their buildings. The 2021 pilot of the BCC found that the average participant could reduce their energy consumption by 16 per cent, saving £4,300 writannually; this is closer to £8,300 with current costs following recent price rises.

PHV Regulations (1)

Elly Baker: Following MQ 2022/1721, can you confirm which operators were in the first tranche and which of those operators are in full compliance with the High Court decision and all TfL notices and guidance?

The Mayor: It is the responsibility of all London PHV operators to ensure they are compliant with the Court’s judgment. By now, all London PHV operators should have reviewed their contractual terms and ways of working and made any necessary changes.
Operators should be prepared to demonstrate compliance, upon request, at any time.
Following the Court’s ruling, Transport for London (TfL) has made a regulation to raise awareness that London PHV operators are required to contract directly with passengers to provide the journey that is the subject of a booking. In addition TfL has published four TPH Notices (19/21, 22/21, 04/22 and 06/22) as well as detailed guidance for PHV operators.
There are 1,675 licensed PHV operators in London. TfL is working through the contractual terms, where they exist, of each operator. The first tranche commenced in January 2022 with a focus on the largest operators and those with imminent licence renewal dates. TfL has also amended its application forms and processes to ensure that all PHV operators applying for, and renewing, a licence are aware of their obligations. TfL will continue to review operators’ contractual terms as part of the licensing process and on an ad hoc basis to ensure the Divisional Court ruling is being complied with.
TfL has also raised awareness of this issue with PHV industry representatives in its regular meetings and continues to liaise with individual operators who have enquiries relating to their compliance.

LUL Electrical Control Room Staff Renumeration

Nick Rogers: What is the remuneration for LUL Electrical Control Room staff?

The Mayor: The Power Control Room staff are highly skilled and specialist operational engineers responsible for the management, operation, and control of London Underground’s high voltage power distribution network. This is the largest in the UK and the LU network draws all its traction and auxiliary power systems from this These members of staff provide a 24/7 safety-critical service and therefore work a shift roster that includes nights and days. They interface directly with UK’s electricity generation and distribution companies who supply power to London Underground.
There are a range of roles and bands within the Power Control Room and pay will vary dependent on grade, experience and length of service. As of 1 April 2022, pay ranged from a minimum starting salary of £57,872 to a maximum of £107,105 for highly skilled and highly specialist level three engineer roles. The salary range is benchmarked with external distribution networks.

Play Space on Developments (1)

Sakina Sheikh: Will you ensure that all large residential developments that are referred to the GLA have sufficient play space for children?

The Mayor: As set out in my answer to 2022/3381, new development should be providing safe spaces for children to play and proposals for large residential development will be assessed against my London Plan 2021, including Policy S4 Play and informal recreation.
The London Plan makes clear that all residential developments should provide at least 10 square metres of play space per child. In line with my plan, I expect this space to be free, well-designed, accessible, inclusive and stimulating. There should also be appropriate provision in developments for different age groups, including older children and teenagers.

Hammersmith Bridge

Leonie Cooper: Can you update me on any progress on the works for restoring Hammersmith Bridge?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2022/2801.

Thames Path in East London (2)

Unmesh Desai: Would London benefit from an improved Thames Path creating a new east-west route along the Tower Hamlets stretch of the river?

The Mayor: Enabling more people to walk more often has significant benefits for people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, for our NHS and for local economies, while contributing to the protection and improvement of the environment. Transport for London’s new leisure walking plan – to be published later this year– will set out a series of improvements to the Walk London Network, which includes the Thames Path, enabling more people to access quality leisure walking routes and places.

Euston Road Streetspace Scheme (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: Were any other alternative mitigations considered by TfL to reduce delays to buses as part of the changes to the Euston Road Streetspace Scheme, apart from the removal of both the east and westbound cycle lanes? If so, please provide details.

The Mayor: The Euston Road scheme is being removed for a number of reasons including: the adverse impact it had on bus performance and passenger experience; significant traffic congestion on a key freight corridor; and ahead of HS2 construction activities that require the removal of road space on Euston Road early next year for an extended period.
Alternative options were considered to improve bus journey times including: re-routing all or some bus services from Euston Road; restricting other traffic access; and developing existing and alternative cycle routes. Noting the significant volumes of buses affected and the impacts on the thousands of people who rely on them, it was felt that protecting bus passenger journey times along this strategic movement corridor - alongside an upgrade to a quieter parallel cycle route - provided the best balance for all road users.
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2022/2269.

Euston Road Streetspace Scheme (3)

Caroline Pidgeon: There is concern that the changes to the Euston Road Streetspace Scheme and the construction works for HS2, which involve the removal of cycle lanes, will make the roads less safe for cyclists and pedestrians. Do you believe these alterations are conducive to the aims set out in the Vision Zero Action Plan, which seek to create safe streets?

The Mayor: The Euston Road scheme is being removed for a number of reasons including: the adverse impact it had on bus performance and passenger experience; significant traffic congestion on a key freight corridor; and ahead of HS2 construction activities that require the removal of road space on Euston Road early next year for an extended period.
In line with the Vision Zero Action Plan, Transport for London (TfL) has provided LB Camden with £750k to upgrade the existing cycle route 400 metres to the south of Euston Road, providing cyclists with a safe alternative to the inner ring road. TfL is also seeking to ensure HS2 implements mitigation measures as part of its works, which include safe cycle and pedestrian facilities during all phases of construction. Longer term, TfL is working with both HS2 and LB Camden to maximise opportunities for people walking, cycling and travelling by public transport as construction at Euston completes and the new highway layout is reinstated.

Dangerous Junctions – King’s Cross Gyratory

Caroline Pidgeon: Further to your answer to question 2021/4780, what progress has been made in producing a detailed cost analysis for the improvement works to (a) Euston Road/Pancras Road/Belgrove Street junction (b) Euston Road/York Way/Grays Inn Road/Pentonville Road Junction (c) King’s Cross Road/Pentonville Road Junction (d) Gray’s Inn Road between King’s Cross Bridge and Swinton Street?

The Mayor: Design work for safety improvements on this section of the gyratory is well advanced but has not yet reached the single option selection stage. This means it is not possible to provide a detailed cost estimate for the proposals at this stage. High level estimates for the projects range between £3.5m and £5m in total. Progress has been affected by Transport for London’s lack of long-term capital funding certainty.
This is also a hugely complex scheme, for reasons outlined in my previous response to Mayor’s Question 2021/1667, where balancing the needs of various road user groups and the interface with HS2 requires careful consideration.

Euston Road Streetspace Scheme (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: What pro-active engagement has TfL undertaken with HS2 to come up with solutions to mitigate the increased dangers posed to pedestrians and cyclists as a result of road space being removed for works on Euston Road?

The Mayor: HS2 has not yet shared detailed construction traffic management plans with Transport for London (TfL). However, TfL has established a senior level working group to provide oversight and coordinate management of the HS2 works on Euston Road and other local roads.

TfL Companion Travel Pass

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide an update on work to introduce a companion travel pass in London.

The Mayor: Due to the impact of the pandemic on Transport for London’s (TfL) finances, TfL suspended work on this. Given TfL’s current financial situation, including the condition of Government funding that TfL develops additional revenue streams to generate between £0.5 to 1bn per annuum, TfL is not currently in a position to develop a companion travel pass.

Works at Holborn Gyratory

Caroline Pidgeon: What specific actions have been taken during the month of June by (a) TfL and (b) Camden Council in relation to making Holborn Gyratory safe for cyclists?

The Mayor: Camden Council completed civil engineering works at the junction of Southampton Row and Theobalds Road in June 2022. This included all kerb works to the junction and the completion of cable ducting and resurfacing. Transport for London (TfL) and its contractor have also started work to install the new traffic signals that are required for the enhanced junction.
Design work for the High Holborn section of the gyratory has also continued, with Camden Council engaging with TfL to develop a design which incorporates the necessary safety improvements.

TfL Canons Park Station development

Andrew Boff: What was TfL’s total expenditure on its proposed development at Canons Park Station car park?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) expenditure on the proposed scheme at Canons Park was £144,427.
TfL have paused work on the site whilst they consider whether there is an alternative form of development which would be viable and feasible.

London Bridge Tube Station crime

Keith Prince: For each financial year of 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 how many crimes were committed at London Bridge Tube Station broken down by minor crime type per 10,000 passengers?

The Mayor: The attached spreadsheet shows the number of offences at London Bridge Tube Station for the requested years by crime type.

The Mayor: 2143- Data.xlsx

Cargo Bike Strategy

Hina Bokhari: What progress has TfL made in developing a cargo bike strategy for London, and when is the strategy due to be published?

The Mayor: I recognise the important role cargo bikes play in moving goods efficiently and sustainably around the Capital. To further support safe and effective growth of this mode, Transport for London (TfL) is developing its Cargo Bike Strategy, which is expected to be published later this year.
The strategy is being developed in consultation with key stakeholders, such as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), boroughs, businesses and cycling groups and will set out how TfL will further support cargo bike growth through a list of specific commitments.

TfL Stanmore Station development

Andrew Boff: What was TfL’s total expenditure on its proposed development at Stanmore Station car park?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) expenditure on the proposed scheme at Stanmore was £155,839.
TfL have paused work on the site whilst they consider whether there is an alternative form of development which would be viable and feasible.

Wapping Busgate

Unmesh Desai: What is your view on the proposed removal of the Wapping busgate, a scheme funded by TfL as part of its Bus Priority funding? What effect would its removal have on Wapping bus routes?

The Mayor: I am disappointed that the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is proposing to remove the Wapping bus gate. It was installed using Transport for London (TfL) bus priority funding and allows for faster and more reliable journeys on the route 100. TfL has recorded its objection and will meet with Tower Hamlets officers to discuss the response and implications for buses and bus users, as well as concerns about the proposed removal of other schemes. My Walking and Cycling Commissioner has also requested to meet with the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, and I’d urge him to accept that meeting to discuss his plans for improving air quality in the borough.

TFL and Mastercard (1)

Len Duvall: Why has TfL known for months that there is an issue with taking auto-pay payments from Mastercard debit and credit cards but yet this has not been resolved?

The Mayor: Transport for London is not aware of any specific issues with the acceptance of Mastercard, but will contact your office to find out specific details to enable them to look into the matter.

Cuts to Bus Mileage (1)

Emma Best: Please provide a breakdown of all the bus cuts that TfL has made, or plans to make, to cover the 3.7% overall cut in bus mileage.

The Mayor: Transport for London has already reduced frequencies on 60 routes serving central and inner London. The effect of these changes will be to reduce bus mileage by two per cent. A list of these routes is attached.
The Central London Bus Review proposals, which have recently being consulted on, are expected to save up to a further 1.6 per cent. The final figure will only be known after the final decisions are made on the proposals following the detailed review of all consultation responses The proposed changes are set out in detail in:
https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/busreview
In addition, there are expected to be other relatively small changes to planned bus services, which will make up the balance of the 3.7 per cent reduction. Any structural changes to the network will be consulted on.

The Mayor: 2665 Cuts to Bus Mileage (1) attachment.pdf

60+ Oyster card (1)

Len Duvall: In response to question 2022/1574 you explained the automated email system to remind 60+ Oyster cards holders of the need to update their details. Please list the forms of communication other than email which you use to alert card holders to the process.

The Mayor: Information on the yearly address check and fee is on the Transport for London (TfL) website and in the scheme terms and conditions. Most card holders provide an email address when they apply online. For those who cannot apply online, TfL sends a letter advising them how they can confirm their ongoing eligibility.

Adherence to the 2021 Child Exploitation Pan London Protocol

Caroline Pidgeon: The 2021 Child Exploitation Pan London Protocol details the process that the Met and local authorities must follow if a child moves to a care setting either within or outside of the London area. Are you confident this protocol is always being followed, and within the 24-hour time limit stipulated, and is MOPAC collecting and monitoring data on how the protocol is being implemented?

The Mayor: Since the launch of the Child Exploitation Pan London Protocol on 18 March 2021, more than 7,000 police officers, and 338 staff working in children’s social care, have been trained on the Protocol. This is a rolling programme with the training being delivered by specialist crime officers.
To provide some external scrutiny to this, under the London Safeguarding Adolescent Board, a review of the Pan London Protocol is being conducted by a multi-disciplined team (Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), Health and Local Authority). The review will be published in August and the findings of this review will assist the MPS to understand how the protocol is being followed operationally and inform MOPAC’s oversight role.

60+ Oyster card (3)

Len Duvall: In response to question 2022/1574 you state that general information is available on the TfL website and in the Terms and Conditions for applicants. What other mediums are TfL considering for sharing this information? Why is this information not also posted out with the Oyster card itself?

The Mayor: Transport for London considers that it has sufficiently clear information and processes in place to remind and encourage 60+ London Oyster card holders to complete the annual eligibility check process. Information is not sent out with the card as it is felt better to focus this on how to use the card, rather than remind them of something that will happen in 12 months’ time.

60+ Oyster card (2)

Len Duvall: How many of the emails listed in response to 2022/1574 include a link to where the process can be completed?

The Mayor: All the annual eligibility check emails sent to 60+ London Oyster card holders include a link for them to log into their photocard web account to complete the process.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (12)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 12 “TfL and the relevant boroughs will work together to fully maximise the benefits of the Barclays Cycle Hire expansion by promoting its use to all Londoners. This may include the creation of an ambassadorial scheme to promote it to specific communities” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) promotes the use of the Santander Cycles scheme through marketing campaigns and by further increasing the number of sites across London.
Extensive borough engagement has continued, including working with the London Legacy Development Corporation, to expand the scheme into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Further expansion has taken place in Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Brixton and Southwark.
The popularity of the scheme continues to grow. 2021 had the highest ever use of Santander Cycles, with almost 11 million hires. The records have continued to tumble into 2022. Every month from September 2021 to February 2022, saw the highest number of hires for that month in the scheme's history.
TfL is always open to discussing options to extend the Santander Cycle Hire scheme with boroughs and private landowners. There are a number of factors impacting a decision to expand the scheme and build stations in new locations, this includes the propensity to cycle in the immediate area, its location proximity to other cycle stations and whether it is financially sustainable to do so.

Bus Driver Working Conditions

Caroline Pidgeon: What assessment has been carried out into the dangerous effects of high heat on bus drivers, and what potential changes can TfL make to ensure that any risk of heatstroke is mitigated? Are there any circumstances that you consider the temperature in the driver’s cab to be too dangerous to drive?

The Mayor: Although there is no statutory maximum temperature for a workplace in the UK, Transport for London (TfL) is making every effort to improve the working conditions for drivers during periods of exceptionally hot weather.
TfL has conducted an extensive study, in partnership with University College London, to understand the thermal comfort on buses in a controlled climatic test chamber with a number of passengers on board.
From the analysis, several measures have been added to TfL’s Bus Vehicle Specification for new buses, including automatic interior temperature control based on ambient/outside temperatures. Isolation of the drivers’ cab Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system from the saloon has also been introduced since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, TfL has been working with suppliers of drivers’ air conditioning systems, and an improved HVAC specification has been incorporated to the latest Bus Vehicle Specification which will significantly improve thermal comfort for drivers.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (5)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 5 “TfL, working with the boroughs, will unlock the full potential of the walking and cycling routes improved for the 2012 Games. This may include providing better signage and information, cycle parking and new cycling or walking routes to link to the wider cycle and pedestrian network and town centres” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: When I became Mayor of London, I inherited a walking and cycling network that was not good enough to support the Olympic and Paralympic legacy.
I am delighted that we have added almost 250km of new and improved cycling lanes since 2016. We now have over 500 school streets and 100 low traffic neighbourhoods that are helping promote walking and cycling whilst also reducing air pollution.
Transport for London (TfL) has worked closely with the six Olympic host boroughs and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) to build on the walking and cycling network delivered for the Games and leave a lasting active travel legacy for Londoners.
When I became Mayor, I tasked Will Norman, my Walking and Cycling Commissioner, to work with LLDC and the Olympic boroughs to improve the quality of walking and cycling infrastructure developed in the run up to the 2012 Games. This has included a new cycling lane on Marshgate and LLDC’s plans for walking and cycling on Westfield Avenue. Significant amounts of funding has been targeted in east London including the Mini-Holland programme in Waltham Forest.
The impact on east London is tangible. Latest TfL data on active travel levels show that five of the six Olympic host boroughs are above the London average for the percent of borough residents achieving 20 minutes of active travel each day.

London Fire Brigade - Grievances 1

Susan Hall: Could you please confirm on average how long it takes the LFB to investigate staff grievances?

The Mayor: The average time to investigate a grievance for cases in the last 12 months (to the end of May 2022) was 27.9 days.

Taxi Charging Rules

Keith Prince: A constituent asks:

Section 17(1) of The Hackney Carriage (London) Act 1853 states that a taxi driver cannot take or demand [from the consumer] more than the metered fare (when the trip starts and finishes within the GLA).

Section 73(2) of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states: In subsection (1) “mandatory statutory or regulatory provisions” includes rules which, according to law, apply between the parties on the basis that no other arrangements have been established.

Can you confirm the operating rules which apply, ie is it right to presume that if a taxi driver makes an arrangement with a consumer prior to the trip starting and where the trip starts and finishes within the GLA, then the taxi driver (and consumer) can rely on section 73 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015; meaning the taxi driver can take from the consumer any agreed amount over the metered fare as an agreement has been made outside of the regulatory provisions (the regulatory provisions being section 17(1) of the Hackney Carriage (London) Act 1853)?

If the consumer and taxi driver cannot rely on the Consumer Rights Act 2015, can you please explain why?

The Mayor: It is an offence for a taxi driver to demand or take more than the proper fare and consumer rights legislation does not override this.

Unfair Out-of-Station Arrangement (2)

Onkar Sahota: Please explain why such a charging regime exists.

The Mayor: Most of the busiest stations in London are located in Zone 1. The fares charged help to mitigate the crowding that can occur at those stations and on the trains from those stations, particularly during peak times.
Transport for London (TfL) only charges fares via Zone 1 where that is the only logical route available. Where there is a clear alternative to travelling via Zone 1, pink card readers are provided at interchange points for customers to show they have done so.
The transport network in London is complex. TfL’s fares system is designed to be logical and sophisticated to ensure that it charges fares accurately in this complicated network.
If there are any specific journeys, TfL is happy to look into them, but to manage expectations, changes to the way fares are charged may not always be possible.

Unfair Out-of-Station Arrangement (1)

Onkar Sahota: Please provide details of all journeys on the network that are charged via Zone 1 irrespective of the route taken.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) only charges Zone 1 fares where the logical route is via Zone 1. If there are specific journeys of concern, I will ask TfL to investigate them.

Transport Support for Ukrainian Refugees (2)

Tony Devenish: If you believe that TfL cannot afford to do more on subsidising travel for Ukrainian refugees, will you please aim to secure private sector sponsorship to enable more support to be given?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL), along with many other operators, is providing free travel for Ukrainian refugees from their point of arrival in the UK to their end destination. TfL provides a wide range of free and discounted concessions and like other Londoners, Ukrainian refugees may be eligible for one these. If there are any specific ideas on sponsorship TfL will be very keen to consider.

Unfair Out-of-Station Arrangement (3)

Onkar Sahota: Please let me know what needs to happen for TfL to change this policy, and what effect on passenger behaviour and fare income will follow.

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2521.

Transport for London (TfL) and Renewable Energy Generation (4)

Leonie Cooper: How will the Green Bonds scheme help TfL to increase renewable energy use and/or generation?

The Mayor: My green bond scheme is aiming to raise over £500m to help finance and accelerate delivery of zero-carbon projects across the GLA Group and London.
Transport for London’s (TfL) Corporate Environment Plan outlines its approach to decarbonisation, which follows a hierarchy of activity to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency and increasing the volume of renewable electricity it consumes. TfL plans to bid for funding from the green bond to support a variety of decarbonisation projects, which may include the deployment of renewables in London.

Lack of Toilet Dignity for London Bus Drivers: Changing Bus Routes to Accommodate Toilet Provision for Bus Drivers

Keith Prince: Of the 180 bus routes that we know from questions 2022/0787, 2022/0786 and 2021/4900 lack ‘Toilet Dignity’ for bus drivers, even after the proposed bus route changes, at least 171 bus routes—over 25% of all London bus routes—will remain with a toilet only at one end, including 10 routes considered Priority 3 and an additional 3 where “access to toilets is not available at all hours of the day”.
Will you consider making immediate changes to these 171 bus routes to ensure that toilets will be made available to bus drivers at both ends?

The Mayor: As set out in the answer to question 2022/2679, these routes have a round trip time of under 150 minutes, which falls within the timeframe agreed with the bus drivers’ trade union, Unite, and the employing bus operators to have a toilet at one end as a minimum.
This criterion allows Transport for London to focus its limited funding on providing toilet facilities where they have greatest need. Where opportunities arise, such as a third-party development, TfL will always seek to further improve the number of facilities available.

22 May Fire at Metroline’s Potters Bar Bus Depot (2)

Keith Prince: What agency was responsible for investigating the causes of the 22 May fire at Potters Bar Bus Depot? Was TfL involved at all in the investigation? If so, please provide me with the name and contact details of the officials involved.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) Engineering investigated the fire, along with officials from the Drivers and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) and Forensic Fire Investigators, Hawkins.
If you have any questions relating to the investigation, TfL’s Government Relations team will be happy to assist.

Transport for London (TfL) and Renewable Energy Generation (1)

Leonie Cooper: How much renewable energy does TfL currently generate across its sites?

The Mayor: Please see my response to MQ 2022/0485. The figures have not changed significantly since that response was provided.

Central London Bus Review (3)

Nick Rogers: Reducing London’s bus mileage by 3.7% is supposed to save £35 million. How much of that sum would potentially be saved if you go ahead with your plans in the Central London Bus Review?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) proposed changes, including recent frequency reductions, would reduce scheduled kilometres on the bus network by 3.7 per cent, which is expected to reduce operating expenditure by £80 million. £35 million of the reduction would be as a result of the changes proposed in the Central London Bus Review, if they are implemented.

Central London Bus Review (2)

Nick Rogers: Reducing London’s bus mileage by 3.7% would mean cutting 1 in every 27 miles. This could have been done by reducing frequencies instead of slashing whole routes. Why did you decide to make such significant cuts to routes in central London?

The Mayor: As you know, the Central London Bus Review proposals were subject topublic consultation and no decision has yet been taken on the implementation of any of these proposed changes.
Giventhe savings required by Government, Transport for London (TfL) needs to reduce costs and improve efficiency of the bus network. In developing the proposals within the Central London Bus Review, TfL has reviewed services running on key corridors into central and inner London. It has already reduced frequencies on 60 routes to make some of the savings required by Government, as detailed in TfL’s Financial Sustainability Plan.
Even before the pandemic, bus demand was declining in central London in response to changes in journey patterns, including increased walking and cycling and enhancements to rail services, which is why the changes are focused in this area. The proposed changes would maintain high frequency services on the affected bus corridors.
TfL proposes to withdraw 16 day routes and then adjust between two and six other routes to make good the adverse impacts as much as possible. This approach is the ‘least worst’ way to make the changes because it ensures that interchange, made by one in five trips in and around central London, remains viable without excessive wait times, which would be likely if TfL simply reduced route frequencies across the board. It also adds new links in a few cases.
The changeswhhich have just beenconsulted on are intended to cause as little disruption to passengers as possible, while making the required savings. TfL’s proposals aim to ensure that London continues to have a strong bus service to support London’s economic recovery, while ensuring buses are operating frequently and reliably in the areas that need them most.

Central London Bus Review (1)

Nick Rogers: Do you believe your Central London Bus Review consultation sufficiently addresses the likely impact on disabled access?

The Mayor: Please refer to my response to Mayor’s Question 2022/2278.

Bus Service Changes

Caroline Pidgeon: What research has TfL undertaken into the changes of Public Transport Accessibility Levels for each London Borough affected by the proposed changes to the central and inner London bus network and will this research be published?

The Mayor: The proposals to reduce bus services are a direct consequence of demands from Government attached to funding deals necessary to keep the transport system running. Whilst TfL has no choice on the savings government requires, it is able to make choices on how and where those cuts are made.
The proposed bus changes are designed to ensure that existing high frequency bus corridors retain high frequency services, and that routes are changed in a way that will minimises the reduction in the network’s coverage.
As a result of this Transport for London has not undertaken a borough-level Public Transport Accessibility Level analysis on the basis that the outcome scores would not change greatly. Instead, TfL has looked at comparative frequencies at the relevant monitoring points and the attached spreadsheet provides these frequencies.

The Mayor: 1760 Attachment Bus service changes (1).xlsx

Deaths of London Transport Personnel from Covid-19

Keith Prince: In your partial response to Question 2022/1632, you stated “TfL has put in place a range of additional support for families and colleagues where there has been a bereavement.”
What exactly has TfL put in place? With regard to this “additional support”, please provide a full description complete with (a) names of the TfL officer responsible for its implementation and management and (b) the itemised budget associated with it.

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) Employee Assistance Programme is a service provided to all TfL employees, offering a range of advice and support, including counselling and bereavement support. This service which is available 24 hours a day and was extended during the pandemic to offer support to family members of those who sadly passed away from Covid-19.
TfL’s Sarah Hope Line, led by Sarah Hope MBE, was set up in 2016 to offer support for those who have been in a life changing incident involving the TfL network. During the pandemic the counselling services this network offers were also extended to family members of those who passed away with Covid-19.
Eachtime one of these services were used there is a charge to TfL, however given the confidentiality associated with such concerns, TfL is unable to identify which calls or counselling sessions can be attributed to deaths in service with Covid-19. TfL is also unable to provide a cost of the additional support put in place.
TfL’s Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing, Dr Samantha Phillips, oversees the TfL Employee Assistance Programme.

A Safer Pedestrian Crossing (2)

Krupesh Hirani: It is incredibly dangerous for pedestrians in Harrow crossing at the Roxeth Hill and Northolt
Road crossroad junction due to pedestrian signals not being included in all the traffic light
signals. Will you join me in asking TfL to address this junction as a matter of urgency?

The Mayor: The London Borough of Harrow is the highway and traffic authority for this location. The borough requested a total of £250,000 in Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding from Transport for London (TfL) this year for the design and build of a scheme which seeks to make amendments to the signals and junction layout to improve bus journey times and provision for people walking. Unfortunately, due to TfL’s funding situation at the time, it was unable to fund this. TfL has recently reached a new funding agreement with the Government, so this scheme will be re-considered in the next funding allocation later this year.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (2)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 2 “TfL will work with River Service operators to ensure that service capacity is appropriately utilised to improve links between central London and Greenwich, and TfL will support River Service operators use of the River Lea for passenger services” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: In 2013 the then Mayor launched the River Action Plan, with a £10m fund to invest in growing passenger numbers on the Thames. Transport for London (TfL) has invested the £10m in the following infrastructure improvements:
TfL continues to support the expansion of river services to all parts London. However, to date, there are no proposals to run services on to the River Lea.

Restriction on the 60+ Oyster Photocard and Older Person Freedom Pass Review

Caroline Pidgeon: With reference to your answer to 2022/1412, when do you expect TfL to complete the review of the current restrictions on weekday travel before 09:00 for 60+ Oyster Photocard and Older Person Freedom Pass holders, including producing an Equality Impact Assessment?

The Mayor: A decision on the 9am weekday restriction was delayed due to the ongoing discussions with Government about long-term funding for Transport for London. Now that a longer-term funding agreement has been secured, it is anticipated that a decision will be made before the end of this calendar year. Any decision will be supported by an Equality Impact Assessment.

Restriction on the 60+ Oyster Photocard and Older Person Freedom Pass

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide an exact date for when a decision will finally be made regarding lifting the restrictions on travel before 9:00am on the 60+ Oyster photocard and Older Person Freedom Pass.

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Question 2022/ 2806

Transport Support for Ukrainian Refugees (1)

Tony Devenish: In the light of the new TfL funding deal, please will you look again at providing more support for Ukrainian refugees?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL), along with many other operators, is providing free travel for Ukrainian refugees from their point of arrival in the UK to their end destination. TfL provides a wide range of free and discounted concessions and like other Londoners, Ukrainian refugees may be eligible for one these.
TfL is often asked about widening its current range of free and discounted travel schemes, which have been created to help the most vulnerable in society. This includes young people in education, older people, apprentices, people seeking employment and care leavers.
At a time when TfL is required by government to seek ways to increase revenue, it would be inappropriate to develop this new concession.

Four Lines Modernisation Programme (2)

Tony Devenish: Is there a specific date on which TfL plans to bring the new signalling system for the Four Lines Modernisation Programme into service?

The Mayor: The Four Lines Modernisation Programme (4LM) is delivered by progressively installing new signalling onto sections of the railway called signal migration areas (SMAs).
The fifth section of signalling between Sloane Square, Paddington, Fulham Broadway and Barons Court, called Signalling Migration Area 5 (SMA5), went live on 27 March 2022. This allows a new timetable to be introduced in September 2022, which will enable a journey time improvement of around five per cent on average on the Circle and District lines between Monument, Fulham Broadway, Barons Court and Paddington. This follows journey time improvements of up to 10 per cent on the north side of the Circle line in September 2021, enabled by the successful installation of previous sections of new signalling.
SMA5 was a major achievement as it involved upgrading the highly complex junction at Earl’s Court and completed the switch to new digital signalling across the entire Circle line. It also means that the Metropolitan, District and the Hammersmith & City lines are all operating under the new signalling in the central area.
Software development continues for future signalling migration areas covering the eastern end of the District line and the Metropolitan line between Finchley Road and Preston Road, including the interface with Neasden Depot and the Jubilee line. Transport for London (TfL) expects to complete a review of the 4LM programme by end of July 2022, at which time a further update will be available. I have asked TfL to keep you updated.

Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan (4)

Elly Baker: In March 2012 the previous Mayor published his Olympic and Paralympic Transport Legacy Action Plan. Can you outline how Action 4 “TfL will use the new highway infrastructure, including traffic signal infrastructure such as CCTV, provided for the 2012 Games to help smooth traffic flow” has been delivered over the past 10 years?

The Mayor: Following on from the challenge of delivering reliable journeys for the Olympic family, Transport for London has now expanded the number of traffic signal sites operating with ‘SCOOT’ technology to 4,300 (out of 6,400). This technology, along with other new innovations like Green Person Authority, is helping make journeys for bus passengers, pedestrians and cyclists more reliable.
As outlined in my Transport Strategy, I want to reduce Londoners’ dependency on cars and increase the share of walking, cycling and public transport trips in London to 80 per cent by 2041. As well as creating a cleaner and healthy city, reducing car dependency will also help ease congestion and help traffic flow more reliably.

Cost of energy crisis for the GLA group (2)

Zack Polanski: What mitigating impact do you expect from the power purchase agreement tender that was issued in June 2022 against the increase in the cost of energy to the GLA group of organisations?

The Mayor: Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) allow organisations access to fixed or agreed pricing structures for set periods of time. This certainty in pricing has significant advantages, particularly considering the recent turbulence of the energy market. Transport for London’s (TfL) first procurement aims to secure approximately 10 per cent of its electricity consumption for a period of 15 years. It is not possible to quantify the potential cost benefits until later in the procurement process, but TfL expects that the pricing will be competitive and certainly no worse than the wholesale market.

Social infrastructure in planning (1)

Siân Berry: In your Good Growth By Design Forward Plan, you state that you will: “further highlight the importance of social infrastructure in the planning of new neighbourhoods.” What is your definition of social infrastructure, and could you give examples of organisations, groups and institutions that would be considered as contributing to social infrastructure?

The Mayor: Social infrastructure comprises an ecosystem of local organisations, networks and services, supported by different types of buildings and physical spaces. My ‘Connective Social Infrastructure’ report defines it as a range of services and facilities that meet local and strategic needs and contribute towards a good quality of life, facilitating new and supporting existing relationships, encouraging participation and civic action, overcoming barriers and mitigating inequalities, and together contributing to resilient communities. Alongside more formal provision of services, informal places and networks (e.g. barbershops and mutual aid groups) provide community support and play an important role in the lives of Londoners. From a planning perspective, the non-exhaustive definition in my London Plan includes facilities such as health provision, early years provision, schools, colleges and universities, community, recreation and sports facilities, places of worship, policing and other criminal justice or community safety facilities, children and young people’s play and informal recreation facilities. My Good Growth Fund programme has supported 55 projects which are creating more socially integrated spaces, including Mission Kitchen, West London Disability Hub and the Polka Theatre.

Scrappage Scheme

Onkar Sahota: A constituent had their scrappage scheme application accepted over a year ago but has still not received the grant. Can you tell me how long the process should ideally take?

The Mayor: I allocated £61m for scrappage schemes to support low income and disabled Londoners, small businesses and charities to switch to cleaner vehicles and green forms of transport. I am pleased to note that more than 15,200 older, more polluting vehicles have been removed from London’s roads.
When Transport for London (TfL) approved an application for one of the scrappage schemes, it provided information about the procedure and timeframes applicants must follow before any grant payment is made. This included providing evidence that the vehicle has been scrapped and, if applicable, replaced. On receipt of this evidence, TfL aims to issue the payment within five working days.
TfL has advised officers will be happy to investigate this specific case if you or your constituent can provide further details.

Suspension of private hire licenses following facial recognition failure (3)

Siân Berry: Thank you for your answer to my question 2022/1883 asking about Transport for London (TfL) licensed private hire drivers who had their licenses suspended or revoked by TfL between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2022 potentially related to a private hire operator's facial recognition identity check. To help Londoners understand the processes involved, will you consider re-examining these 358 cases and telling me how many of these TfL decisions were solely based on facial recognition identity checks by private hire operators?

The Mayor: Please see my response to MQ 2022/2928.

Suspension of private hire licenses following facial recognition failure (2)

Siân Berry: Thank you for your answer to my question 2022/1883 asking about Transport for London (TfL) licensed private hire drivers who had their licenses suspended or revoked by TfL between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2022 potentially related to a private hire operator's facial recognition identity check. Given Microsoft’s subsequent withdrawal of the facial recognition technology used by Uber, what safeguards and precautions have you taken to ensure that unreliable technology isn’t leading to licenses being suspended or revoked?

The Mayor: When Transport for London (TfL) receives information of an adverse nature from a private hire vehicle (PHV) operator about a licensed PHV driver, it will examine this information carefully. TfL will also undertake investigations of its own and will take into consideration information from a range of other sources before making a licensing decision.
TfL recognises that a decision to revoke a licence has a significant effect on the livelihood of licensees therefore such decisions will only be taken in the most serious of cases where such an approach is justified. In assessing the action to take, the safety of the public will be the paramount concern.
The process is set out in the Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy document.

Central London Bus Review (1)

Tony Devenish: You have described your ULEZ Expansion Consultation as “a genuine consultation”. Is the Central London Bus Review Consultation a genuine consultation?

The Mayor: The Central London Bus Review Consultation is absolutely a genuine consultation. It was run with the same degree of rigour as any other public consultation undertaken by Transport for London (TfL) and has been planned and developed in line with TfL’s consultation policy.
Unfortunately, the proposals to reduce bus services are a direct consequence of demands from Government attached to funding deals necessary to keep the transport system running. Whilst TfL has no choice on the savings government requires, it is able to make choices on how and where those cuts are made.
The purpose of the consultation is to inform TfL’s decision-makingand all responses to the consultation will be reviewed and properly taken into account before any decision is made.

LUL Electrical Control Room staff Recruitment

Nick Rogers: When was the last time there was open recruitment for LUL Electrical Control Room staff?

The Mayor: The last time there was an external recruitment campaign for Power Control Room Operators was August 2019.

Terminal Drop Off Charge (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: What further consideration have you given to working with Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) and TfL to exempt licensed black cab drivers from the £5 Terminal Drop Off Charge?

The Mayor: Heathrow Airport is on privately-owned land and has its own bylaws. Neither Transport for London (TfL), nor I, can exempt taxis from the terminal drop-off charge.
Nevertheless, when the proposal was put forward, TfL met with representatives of Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) and raised the taxi trade’s concerns about the introduction of a terminal drop-off charge and a proposed increase to the taxi feeder park fee from £3.20 to £10.
HAL decided to continue with plans to introduce the terminal drop-off fee for all vehicles, including taxis, and to increase the taxi feeder park fee. However, as a result of the discussions with TfL, HAL agreed to provide a short-term exemption for taxis for the terminal drop-off fee until April 2022 – later extended to May 2022. This provided TfL with the appropriate time to consult on, and implement, proposals to permit drivers to add the fee to the metered fare.
HAL also agreed to implement a lower than planned taxi feeder park fee - £7.20 instead of the original proposal of £10.
With its terminal drop-off charge, HAL is seeking to reduce congestion as well as emissions on the corridors approach Heathrow. As such, it has decided not to offer an exemption for zero emission vehicles, whether taxis or private car journeys. TfL meets regularly with HAL and will continue the dialogue about this and other sustainability measures.

Tube Driver Recruitment (1)

Nick Rogers: When was the last time there was open recruitment for Tube drivers?

The Mayor: The last recruitment campaign for Train Operators which went external was in March 2018. Please see my answer to question 2022/2735 for further information.

Tube Driver Recruitment (2)

Nick Rogers: Since the last occasion when there was open recruitment for Tube drivers, how many drivers have been recruited internally and what roles did these drivers come from?

The Mayor: Since the last external recruitment campaign in 2018, Transport for London has recruited 390 Train Operators.
Approximately 80 per cent of these recruits came from Customer Service Assistant and Customer Service Supervisor roles. Other recruits came from Asset Operations Response Officer, Stations and Trains Admin staff, Dial-A-Ride reservation staff, Revenue Control Inspector and Network Traffic Controllers.

Tube Driver Recruitment (3)

Nick Rogers: What is the exact process for the internal recruitment of Tube drivers?

The Mayor: The recruitment process for Train Operators consists of four stages, with applicants required to pass each stage to progress onto the next. This process usually takes between six and 12 weeks to complete. The process is the same for internal and external recruitment campaigns.
Stage 1: Online Application form and screening questions
Stage 2: Online Situational Judgement Test
Stage 3: Assessment Centre 1: This assessment includes error identification and fault resolution.
Stage 4: Assessment Centre 2: This assessment includes a competency based interview and a verbal communication test.

Line Control Room Recruitment

Nick Rogers: When was the last time there was open recruitment for Line Control Room staff?

The Mayor: The last external recruitment campaign for Line Control Room colleagues ran in July 2015. All recruitment since then has been through internal campaigns.

Central London Bus Review (3)

Tony Devenish: Given the significant interest in your Central London Bus Review, will you extend the consultation beyond its current end date of the 12th July?

The Mayor: You are correct that there wassignificant interest in the Central London Bus Review consultation, with over 8,000 responses received from Londoners in the first two weeks after the consultation launched. Transport for London (TfL) and I appreciate that customers, communities and stakeholders who are only now starting to review our consultation materials may need more time to review, understand and provide feedback on the proposed changes. For this reason, and to ensure people have adequate time to respond, the consultation was extended to close at midnight on Sunday 7 August 2022.
I am pleased that TfLextended the consultation and to leteverybody who wanted to to have their say.

Facial recognition technology from Clearview AI

Caroline Russell: Could you confirm when the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) stopped using facial recognition technology from Clearview AI Inc?

The Mayor: While I understand the public interest in the technology police use, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) are unable to comment, as to do so would potentially risk compromising police activity and could impact on effectiveness.

A Safer Pedestrian Crossing (1)

Krupesh Hirani: It is incredibly dangerous for pedestrians in North Harrow crossing at the Station Road and Pinner Road crossroad junction due to pedestrian signals not being included in all the traffic light signals. Will you join me in asking TfL to address this junction for pedestrians as a matter of urgency?

The Mayor: The London Borough of Harrow is the highway and traffic authority for this location. Transport for London (TfL) provided £12,000 in Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding in 2022/23 for the design of a scheme which seeks to make improvements for walking and cycling at this junction. A number of design options are currently under review by the borough, and TfL hopes to confirm further funding later this year to enable officers to continue with the scheme.

Metropolitan Line (1)

Onkar Sahota: There have been delays on the Metropolitan line and safety concerns have been expressed after a fault was found on some of the wheels. I know that the Mayor holds safety paramount and will not compromise it.
Will the Mayor update me on the safety works going on with this line and also update me about when normal service shall resume?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) undertakes regular routine checks of its Underground trains. Routine checks to the Metropolitan line fleet identified an issue with some train wheelsets and these trains were immediately removed from service for repairs to be carried out.
Repairs took place over several weeks. A full weekend and Bank Holiday service resumed on 16 April, with a good weekday service resuming on 3 May. Planned cancellations were necessary as the number of available trains in the fleet was reduced. I’m pleased to confirm that as more trains returned to service this enabled a normal timetabled service on the line to operate from 16 May.
A formal investigation is currently underway to understand the root cause of the issues that led to the faults discovered. This investigation will determine lessons learned and necessary actions to prevent a reoccurrence.